Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to [email protected].
Dear Editor:
On October 7, 2026, Palace building owner Tom Carter told the Ukiah City Council: “In 10 to 14 days I should have a letter from Richard Ruff [a Ukiah architectural firm], pretty well-defined now…that the building is structurally sound…that the building is stable and not a public safety hazard. We have it drafted basically; it’s in the hands of attorneys right now to make sure it’s all legal…”
On November 4, Mr. Carter presented a letter to the City Council from Ruff & Associates, dated November 3, stating the firm provided “safety measures to protect the public around the outside of the building and some shoring details to support the existing floor, wall and roof framing.”
In response to my email inquiry on November 5 to Rob Palafox of Ruff & Associates, to clarify the meaning of “safety measures to protect the public around the outside of the building and some shoring details to support the existing floor, wall and roof framing,” he responded with two documents, both addressed to Matt Keizer, Ukiah Chief Building Inspector, and Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager.
One was dated December 16, 2024, titled Construction Safety Inside the Palace Hotel and included: 1) shore the roof, walls and floors and seal the building to prevent wet weather destruction; 2) stage materials and park work vehicle on the first floor of the concrete structure; 3) power up existing electrical meter located on the first floor for safety; 4) install a shoring tower to make roof and floor repairs; 5) delineate clear safe paths with yellow tape and lighting to work area; provide hard hats, safety eye wear, masks, gloves and boots; 7) provide blue room, eye wash station and first aid kit.
The other was dated December 30, 2024 titled Public Safety Around The Palace Hotel and included: 1) scaffold and fence the building to be determined as needed; 2) install warning signs conveying that this was a construction site with restricted admittance; 3) install flaggers, reduced speed limits and use lane barriers; and 4) authorize and ensure that the exterior of the project site is inspected throughout the day.
It is unclear to me why Mr. Carter said he would have a letter—that he said was in the hands of lawyers at the time—to the city stating the Palace building was structurally sound and then the following month hand them a single copy of a letter dated November 3 stating no such thing.
In November, 2023, a Notice of Violation was issued to owner Jitu Ishwar to submit plans to stabilize or demolish the building or submit a study from a California licensed structural engineer providing an alternative to abate the imminent risk of collapse.
The documents I received from Mr. Palafox do not indicate that a structural engineer has deemed the building sound, safe and no longer a public safety hazard.
In October, 2024, ZFA Structural Engineers, hired by Mr. Carter, determined the structure was dangerous as it exists and substantial mortar across the exterior brick walls presented a critical risk to the public right-of-way.
In November, 2024, the city sent a letter to Mr. Carter noting the Notice of Violation was still in effect.
It has been two years since Mr. Carter purchased the building and, although he has done a great deal of cleanup and interior structural support, he continues to disregard the Notice of Violation; the building remains an eyesore in the middle of downtown; and it continues to be a threat to public safety.
The Palace has remained derelict since 1988 with four owners and one receivership. Isn’t there something more that can be done to bring this woeful saga to an end?
Karen Rifkin
Ukiah