First let us say… you all rock! Over 600 signatures and over 40 people attended the hearing and all in a week and a half! Signers from all over LA, all with love in their hearts for the history of our City and the sheer love of architecture. Your action means something and we are so grateful to everyone.
The 9/14/16 hearing was nothing short of a serious shock in how our local government works.
In what appeared to be an extremely serious public hearing for nominating a historic monument — with over 40 speakers in support, among them the daughter of William Pereira who came specifically for the hearing from Arizona, professors from USC, a number of leading architects in our city, recognized architecture historians, and many neighbors and community members— the commissioners were split, 2 for the nomination and 2 against.
Due to the “surprise” departure of the 5th commissioner who was involved in the process up until a couple of days ago, the lack of a majority defaults us into a denial of landmark status. Tie vote = Denial on a technicality.
Her departure was effective the date of the hearing, 9/14. This technicality will now allow the owners to proceed with a demolition of this important building.
While we lost this round, the battle continues! The good news is, its not over till the last organizer is hauled off to jail and the construction ball hits the building.
So the next action is sign the petition to Mayor Garcetti!
Please sign this petition which calls on our Mayor to staff the commission properly and hold any application that has a tie until such time that this position is filled.
We also wanted to extend a personal thanks to everyone that came to the hearing and took few hours from their busy schedule to show the city how much we care about architecture and history.
We are embarrassed that the result of this beautiful effort reflected on the weakness of our governmental system.
For more information on (and video of) the hearing, please see this summary from our friend at Esotouric.