Fullerton City Council members will decide the fate of the town’s only outdoor dining area in the heart of downtown during Tuesday’s meeting as residents push for the open air space to remain.
Walk on Wilshire – a pedestrian plaza that was launched during the pandemic – blocked off a portion of Wilshire Avenue for struggling downtown businesses by adding a walkway and sections for patio seating.
The pedestrian alley stayed after Fullerton City Council members voted to extend the program keeping the street closed to traffic in 2022, but now it’s up to city leaders to determine whether to make Walk on Wilshire a permanent fixture in downtown.
What comes next for the community space will be voted on during Tuesday’s regular meeting that begins at 5:30 p.m.
A Downtown Staple Under Question
The vote comes after city officials deadlocked in July on whether to keep the alley blocked off for businesses, casting doubt on continuing to allow for the outdoor walkway.
A city staff report shows that roughly 70% of Fullerton residents and business owners surveyed were in favor of keeping Walk on Wilshire from over 550 responses collected by the city.
“Community members particularly appreciate the enhanced walkability, outdoor dining, and social opportunities that the enclosure has brought to downtown Fullerton,” reads the July report.
For some Fullerton residents and community members, Tuesday’s upcoming discussion comes as a shock.
Anjali Tapadia, chair of Fullerton’s Active Transportation Committee, said in a phone interview that the outdoor space should become a permanent fixture of downtown, especially since it has public support.
She said a group of residents and community members, including herself, came together to help preserve the pedestrian space in downtown after some city council members casted doubt on keeping it indefinitely.
But some city officials are questioning how popular the pedestrian zone really is.
Fullerton City Councilman Fred Jung – who voted against continuing the outdoor dining program back in July – said in a phone interview on Thursday that he would consider an extension of the program under the right conditions.
“The overwhelming support is expected by virtue of the item involved. This isn’t contentious and shouldn’t be,” Jung said.
But for Jung, not having “more buy-in” from local businesses who are against or indifferent towards the program raises levels of concern.
The group, named “Save Walk on Wilshire,” has a petition with over 2,000 signatures from people wanting to keep the 200-foot pedestrian zone.
“I think we’re really going to lose the sense of community, and in a broader sense, people will start to lose faith in their elected officials,” Tapadia said.
Tapadia added that the outdoor walkway serves as a hub allowing for events and attractions to be held that ultimately bring local businesses in the city revenue. She said getting rid of the space only appeals to a small number of businesses who are against it.
In testimonials from Fullerton businesses advocating to preserve the current zoning, common defenses include increased revenue and providing a safe, community space for people.
“We have experienced and increased volume in sales since the Walk on Wilshire started, and
we have hired more employees,” said Kayla Brandon, general manager of the Fullerton Brew Company, in a testimonial to city council.
She added that “If the Walk on Wilshire were to close,” employees at her establishment could start losing shifts, ultimately leading to layoffs.
“By keeping the street closed, we’ve created a more secure and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy—whether they’re out for dinner, shopping, or simply enjoying the outdoors,” said Brandon Bevins, the owner of Mulberry Street Ristorante, in his letter urging to keep the outdoor area.
“I urge the council to consider these positive impacts as we look ahead,” he added.
While unsure if ‘Walk on Wilshire’ will ever become permanent, Jung said the city should look for ways to draw people to downtown long term.
“I think the public has an urgency for things that I understand and I’m not tone deaf to,” he said. “If you want to advocate for something that you enjoy – do it – but also advocate for it being better.”
Despite recusing himself from the July vote, Mayor Nick Dunlap said in a Friday interview that he would prefer to see the gathering space become seasonal, only blocking Wilshire Avenue for events and holidays.
Dunlap – whose father owns the historic Villa Del Sol in downtown Fullerton – added that “it’s not the [City] Council’s job to pick winners and losers” – a sentiment echoed by his council colleague Jung.
Reviving downtown Fullerton
On the other hand, Councilwoman Shana Charles and Councilman Ahmad Zahra have openly advocated for permanently incorporating Wilshire Avenue’s outdoor dining area as a central hub for downtown.
In an interview Thursday, Charles said that she stands with her continued approach on the downtown fixture.
“Let’s just make it permanent,” she said.
Councilmembers Bruce Whitaker and Zahra did not respond to requests for comment.
Charles said if downtown’s outdoor dining program becomes seasonal, it could hamper investment.
“If you tell them that the parklet program is only extending for two years, there’s no reason for them to invest in it,” Charles added.
“It drives me a little crazy that we bicker over what – maybe $100,000? If that’s all it’s going to cost us, then why not do something beautiful?”
She continued to say due to the “landslide” support from community members “it just seems like something worth fighting for.”
Hugo Rios is a Voice of OC reporting fellow. Contact him at hugo.toni.rios@gmail.com or on Twitter @hugoriosss.
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