Saved buildings
save our heritage organisation

Preservation Action Alert

Planning Commission Approves Demolition of
Beloved California Theatre

The Planning Commission unanimously approved (6-0) Sloan Capital Partners' development proposal for the California Theatre site on March 16, despite SOHO entering into the record multiple offers to purchase this site and rehabilitate the Theatre.

SOHO's Executive Director, Bruce Coons, and Dawn Griffen, CEO of Davenports Supper Club and VIP Cigar Lounge, testified in opposition to the Planning Commission. Coons explained that the feasibility analysis for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) does not satisfy the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is subject to challenge. He also submitted a number of purchase offers into the record, made by local preservation developers, Sandor Shapery and Peter Janopaul, from years 2002, 2008, and 2012. Griffen also entered two additional offers into the record, from 2010 and 2011.

When it came time for the commission to deliberate, Commissioner Whalen blatantly stated, "I don't buy the SOHO argument," but did include the two additional mitigation measures recommended by the Historical Resources Board (HRB) in his motion. These are to highlight the California Theatre within the exterior art component and for the historical interpretive displays to come before the HRB for final approval. And other than Chairman Haase's comment that it seems "backwards" to remove the employment overlay and allow a deviation for above ground parking while still demolishing the historic building (meaning these deviations should be granted in order to retain, not demolish the building), there was little sympathy for the total demolition of this irreplaceable and iconic resource. Further, the commissioners' discussion did not delve into why these deviations should be granted, why the reconstruction of the office tower will not meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards, nor the various offers submitted over the years that would alternatively retain and rehabilitate the theatre.

This demolition project has been a long time coming, and now is the last time to speak up and make sure the City Council does the right thing in opposing this project. On April 4, the Council will review and, with your help, hopefully deny the site development permit request to demolish the beloved California Theatre.

Please continue to provide written and oral support for the California Theatre as it goes through this last step in the process. It is imperative that San Diegans demonstrate solidarity to city officials, so they are clear that we will not stand for the loss of this iconic and irreplaceable historic landmark.

Join SOHO at 2pm on Tuesday, April 4 at 202 "C" Street (Floor 12)!

ADVOCACY

Mailing - PO Box 80788 · San Diego CA 92138 | Offices - 3525 Seventh Avenue · San Diego CA 92103
Offices, Museums & Shops (619) 297-9327
Home | Contact