Santa Rosa man's mannequins send social distancing message; 'Even a dummy can do it'

Monday, April 13, 2020
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- In the midst of suburbia, a twist on the manicured greens lawns that decorate most front yards is a sign of the times - socially distanced mannequins. They're even wearing face masks.

"You get what he is doing?" we asked Norm about Jason Windus, across the street.
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"No. I have no idea what is doing," Norm said.

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Or "they," to be more precise. They, as in the mannequins, spaced six feet apart Jason Windus' yard, to serve as a message.

"Social distancing. Even a dummy can do it," Jason explained. "It's a thank you to first responders, police, doctors, nurses, people who work in grocery stores."



Here at the corner of Sundance and Peterson in Santa Rosa, Jason's had already earned a reputation.

"The mannequin guy," explained Donna Bourdet from the comfort of her passing SUV.



What began last year as a protest against a local ordinance requiring Jason to lower his fence has evolved with coronavirus.

"I mean everyone is affected. We're all staying home."
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The mannequins began social distancing in parallel at the same time their flesh and blood brethren did. When we stop, they will stop.



Until then, "I mean the world is a serious place right now. It's important," said Jason.

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And, after the better part of a month with all of us feeling cooped up, Jason's mannequins have become a welcome respite for most of us.

Neighbors driving or strolling by sound more like instant docents.

"I am I really proud we have them," said Donna Bourdet, still in her SUV. "It is good to have eclectic people in the neighborhood."



"I think they set a good example for all of us," added Gloria Mosenberg.

"They're telling us what to do. Yeah. Even the mannequins can do it," interpreted her husband, Sanford.

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So now, the big question.

"You ever going to put clothes on them " we asked Jason.

"I thought about it," he said, but wouldn't commit.



Then again, how can a person not think when passing this display?

Six feet apart? Sure beats six feet under.

WATCH: Jason's original mannequin display after neighbors asked him to lower his fence
Santa Rosa man displays nude mannequins in response to fence dispute


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