Debbie Croft: Mariposa’s business climate sees shift

Changes are taking place in Mariposa. Businesses are closing their doors or switching owners.

The Yosemi-tea and Coffee Shop closed, as did Mariposa Creamery, an ice cream shop with a bookstore in back. Mountain Flowers and Gifts also vacated its building.

True Value Hardware is now ACE Hardware, and locally owned NAPA Auto Parts sold to O’Reilly Auto, a corporate chain based in Missouri.

Lately I’ve talked to several Mariposa business owners and longtime residents. And I did a lot of listening. As new signs go up, some folks are concerned about the changes to the local business landscape.

Amy Eaton, owner of Pony Expresso Coffee House and Roastery, told me she will miss the trusted business practices of Lester Bridges and his son Tim at their NAPA store. She hopes former NAPA employees with many years invested in that company will be valued by the new owner.

She’s watched similar changes in ownership, from local ownership to chain operator, result in adverse effects on other communities.

▪ In the mid-1900s, restaurant owners would lock their doors when they saw strangers on the sidewalk heading their way. Since then Mariposa has learned to welcome tourism.

Sometimes, though, it appears Yosemite-area businesses are too eager for tourism dollars, while forgetting their own neighbors.

Not so with Lindsay McClure, owner of Simplicity Salon. She and her mom and grandma graduated from MCHS. Making a living in the mountain town is a challenge.

“I could make more money somewhere else,” McClure says, “but I want to keep my prices affordable.”

Her prices for haircuts, styles and coloring are comparable to JC Penney’s salon and somewhat lower than average. Besides offering personal care products, her shop features stylish and competitively-priced clothing and fashion accessories.

The salon is growing quite a following on Facebook. And loyal customers appreciate the quality of beauty care they receive.

McClure is one of only a handful of young entrepreneurs among established downtown businesses. She would like to see more innovation to attract customers.

Damian Riley, interim CEO of the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce, agrees that positive changes are needed to improve the business landscape of Mariposa.

In recent emails, Riley told me of plans underway for the chamber to better serve its members, and for businesses to broaden their outreach.

I shared local concern about higher prices. Friends and I believe if our local business owners win the hearts of residents, we’ll share the knowledge with visitors. Then everyone benefits.

Who better to ask than the locals? Visitors are interested in our opinions on who makes the best coffee and pastries, where to find the juiciest barbecue, which cafe offers organic salads and more. But if Mariposa residents feel alienated, we’ll take our business elsewhere.

Riley says that just this week he had a meeting addressing the same topic. He believes if restaurants and shops keep prices reasonable or offer local discounts on products and services, this will develop a secure relationship with the community, and enhance visitors’ experience in the area.

Many Mariposans miss the Frost Shop with its inexpensive soft-serve ice cream and curly fries. It was always busy. Now RiteAid serves the cheapest ice cream.

Sugar Pine Café is a current favorite of locals and visitors. The cafe gets great reviews on TripAdvisor, with a variety of menu choices, daily specials, fresh food, a bright interior and reasonable prices.

“There is currently good reason for local businesses to be involved with the chamber of commerce,” Riley says. “We are moving forward and we want to listen. With more businesses participating we can make a real difference – not only for our members, but for the community as a whole.”

Monthly Merchants’ Meetings are listed on the chamber’s events calendar at www.mariposachamber.org. All those interested are welcome to attend.

New supervisors

Congratulations to Rosemarie Smallcombe and Marshall Long, the newest members of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors.

On Tuesday morning, a swearing-in ceremony took place at the county government center. The Mariposa County Sheriff Honor Guard opened the brief formalities, and afterward time for photos and congratulations was allowed, before the weekly meeting took place.

The board is also considering local issues and looking at ways to provide a stronger, self-sustaining economy.

Smallcombe of District 1 is working with Mariposa County, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Statewide Wood Energy Team to bring a biomass processing facility to the area to decrease wildfire fuel and to use biofuels.

Marshall Long now represents District 3. He believes in maintaining the rural lifestyle, but also encouraging job growth and developing an attractive destination point.

“An economy that is not solely based on tourism will solve the multitude of problems facing Mariposa County and its residents,” Long says.

Next week: More on all the recent happenings in Mariposa.

This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Mariposa’s business climate sees shift."