Volunteers from the Hacienda Foundation of Moraga and the Moraga Park Foundation demonstrated their desire to be included in the discussion of Cafe Hacienda's future by waiting at a Town Council meeting until midnight on Nov. 13 for their chance to support the cafe but also request a discussion of the potential implications for the Hacienda de las Flores if it were to become the permanent location of a restaurant.
"The Hacienda is our sandbox," said Steve Woehleke, Hacienda Foundation president. The statement expressed the feeling of ownership that the volunteers, who have invested hours of expertise in the public facility, derive from their work. Park Foundation members expressed the same sentiment.
Both groups met to discuss their concerns that the mission of the Hacienda as a public facility for events and classes could be altered by the cafe's use of the kitchen and dance room during the week. Gayle Somers, owner of the Café Hacienda, said her challenge is that at the end of each business week she must pack up her supplies and store them somewhere else to make room for the caterers who come for weekend events, such as the weddings that are a major source of revenue for the Hacienda.
Everyone agreed that cafe is an asset for the town and that it has attracted visitors to the lovely location, serving the quality food that residents have been seeking for years.
The Town Council decided to extend Somers' rental agreement for three months, at no cost, while the stakeholders meet to discuss the future.
"The Hacienda is our sandbox," said Steve Woehleke, Hacienda Foundation president. The statement expressed the feeling of ownership that the volunteers, who have invested hours of expertise in the public facility, derive from their work. Park Foundation members expressed the same sentiment.
Both groups met to discuss their concerns that the mission of the Hacienda as a public facility for events and classes could be altered by the cafe's use of the kitchen and dance room during the week. Gayle Somers, owner of the Café Hacienda, said her challenge is that at the end of each business week she must pack up her supplies and store them somewhere else to make room for the caterers who come for weekend events, such as the weddings that are a major source of revenue for the Hacienda.
Everyone agreed that cafe is an asset for the town and that it has attracted visitors to the lovely location, serving the quality food that residents have been seeking for years.
The Town Council decided to extend Somers' rental agreement for three months, at no cost, while the stakeholders meet to discuss the future.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA