Santa Monica's 'Chain Reaction' Sculpture Saved

 Supporters of the peace sculpture "Chain Reaction" are celebrating the city's plan to accept the more than $40,000 raised by Conrad's family and the community to help fund restoration efforts for the sculpture.

The landmark sculpture in front of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was a gift to the city of Santa Monica in 1991 from Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Paul Conrad.

City Manager Rod Gould told statue enthusiast Jerry Rubin he will recommend that the city council accept the money at a Feb. 25 meeting, a sculpture enthusiast said.

"It's good news to hear as we ring in the new year," Santa Monica resident and supporter Jerry Rubin said. "He sees the efforts the community and family has put into this."

In 2011, the city determined the sculpture was unsafe after kids were found climbing it. The safety issue and the loss of the city's redevelopment agency and its funding led to the city's recommendation to take down the sculpture, said Kate Vernez, deputy city manager for special projects.

Supporters, however, responded to the city council's challenge to raise their own funds. Rubin, a community organizer, said $4,000 was raised in December during his public birthday celebration.    

Rubin says funds are still being collected to help towards the upkeep of the historical landmark. Those interested in making a tax deductible donation can do so with the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.