Politics & Government

'Save the Santa Monica Civic' Group Steps Forward

A Facebook group, which has gained more than 100 likes in a few days, is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

With the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium scheduled to be mothballed at the end of June, a group of locals have started a campaign to find a way to save it.

A Facebook page, Save the Santa Monica Civic, was created last week to try to raise awareness about the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. As of late Sunday, the page had more than 100 likes.

"The purpose of our committee is to seek and support solutions that will restore the Santa Monica Civic as a vibrant cultural and community hub, to save its landmark architecture, and enhance the Civic’s connection to its surroundings," the Facebook page states.

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Originally built in 1958, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, known as the Civic, hosted the Academy Awards from 1961—1968 and performances by the Doors, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, the Clash, David Bowie, Elton John and Bob Dylan, among others.

The Civic will shutter indefinitely on June 30 because of escalating financial problems in Santa Monica.

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Santa Monica Landmarks Commissioner Nina Fresco, who is a member of the group, said she and others hope the Facebook page will raise awareness and inform supporters of future city meetings.

"All these people from different points of view -- promoters, local activists -- came together, because we were all concerned with what would happen to the Civic," Fresco said.

Her hope is that the city comes up with a plan, and listens to ideas from residents.

City staff has already been meeting with the Save the Santa Monica Civic group, according to Jessica Cusick, the city's cultural affairs manager.

Cusick said she and other staff members have been compiling information for a report that will be presented to the City Council on June 11.

Originally, the Civic was slated for a $51.9 million renovation, using redevelopment funds. That plan was scrapped with the Legislature's abolition of local redevelopment agencies. With city officials working to avoid a budget deficit, the council said previously there was not enough money to keep the doors open.

"It's not a matter of priority. The city is struggling with all of its capital improvement projects with the loss of redevelopment," Cusick said.

That's why Cusick and others at the city were thrilled when the Save the Santa Monica Civic group stepped forward.

"It's wonderful that a group of citizens have come together to show their support for this historic landmark building," Cusick said.

Due to its age, the Civic needs earthquake retrofitting, ADA accessibility and a new sound system, according to Cusick. 

"It has a romantic history for a lot of people," she said.

The Santa Monica City Council has indicated that the Civic is an important piece of the Santa Monica Civic Center, according to Cusick. The key will be to find a way to fund improvements needed at the Civic.

Nina Fresco said she is aware that civic auditoriums across the country are struggling.

"We're not raising money. Right now we're trying to raise awareness," Fresco said.

SEE ALSO:

Layoffs Possible with Historic Civic Closure

Where's the Civic's White Knight?

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