California Theatre

Too bad it's located in a seedy area of Downtown. I haven't been Downtown in 20 years and I wouldn't think about going down there today.

The California Theatre is located at 1122 4th Ave.. The California was part of the Fox West Coast Theatres chain at one time.

Denny Downtown San Diego is changing rapidly and is becoming very upscale. It won't be long before the area around the California is redeveloped.brucec

This theatre is located one block from the Balboa live theatre, and close to megaplexes in Gaslamp (Pacific's 16 plex) and Horton Plaza (UA/Regal 14 plex)

It is a nice area of downtown, just a block from Horton Plaza.

My name is David Young, and I will be making an offer to pay for finishing the renovations and opening the theatre in the coming months. If all goes well, I will have it showing plays again by summer of 2006. Keep watching.

The California Theatre opened on 22nd April 1927 with a stated seating capacity of 2,021. The architect was John Paxton Perrine. It operated on a mix of movies and vaudeville until 1937 when it went to full time movie use.

The California Theatre closed on 18th April 1977 and has remained closed, boarded up and empty since then.

You are incorrect, Ken. The wall of boards outside the door at this time is for construction safety. It is being fully restored. This construction has been in progress since 1997. The espestos was removed, then the lead, and then the statues were restored. Currently, the plumbing and upholstry is being worked on.

It has not shown a show since 1977, but it is hardly empty. And if all goes well, it will be open again in 2006.

That's great news David. I wish you all the very best in getting the California up and running again and will certainly want to visit it next time I'm in town.

I lived in San Diego from 1987-1989 and again 1996-2002 and often went downtown and stood on the corner looking at the facade of this beautiful theater. The building takes up most of the block and must be enormous in size. When I first arrived in San Diego in 1987, the neighborhood was not the best and fairly run down. Today the neighborhood has been revitalized by nearby Gaslamp Historic district restaurants and the massive building of luxury condominiums in nearby Little Italy. Many folks who work in downtown San Diego are now relocating to these new lofts and condos downtown. This theater should prove to be a marvelous attraction for the afflutent urbanites who live and work downtown. The nearby Copley Symphony hall was once a movie theater is now home to the San Diego Symphony and the former Spreckles and Balboa theaters are also open and showcasing live entertainment. I wish David much luck with this beautiful structure. I wish we had more folks who are willing to bring these masterpieces of architecture back to life. They are real treasures.

In late October of 1941, S. Charles Lee began preparing plans for remodeling part of the California Theater, to create a 450 seat newsreel house, with a seperate lobby and marquee. Most likely, this would have been done by converting the California's ample stage house, as was done with the Fox Riverside Theater. However, the plans for the California were apparently never carried out, most likely due to shortages of construction materials and manpower brought on by the entry of the U.S. into the war a few weeks later.

Joe, Lee did replace the original marquee. The theatre was then restored again in 1964, and again in 1988, when the city declared the outside facade a historical landmark. In 1991, a developer greased some city council palms to get the guts torn down to put a new high rise hotel in, but he ran out of funding. He sold it to a church pastor for $300,000.

The theatre was foreclosed on in 2003 since the pastor had used the theatre as collateral for another debt he did not pay. At that time, a major leak had begun in the roof.

The mortgage company, thinking they could sell the property off quickly for a profit (8 million dollars to be precise), let the leak stay, because they thought anyone would tear it down.

The water damage is extensive, but not unrepairable. The floors remain undamaged. Perrine, the original architect, designed this building to last, and it was an engenius design.

It is now in the stages of being transfered to a new owner who wishes to fully restore it and re-open it. If all goes well, you should start seeing new work on it by March.

I've only just come across a reference to a similar plan to add a second auditorium to the Balboa Theatre, also announced late in 1941, but this one designed by Clifford Balch. The Balboa's second theatre, at 540 seats, would have been a bit larger than the one planned for the California. As far as I know, the only theatres in Southern California whose stage houses actually were converted to seperate theatres were the Fox Riverside Theatre in Riverside, and the Fox Theatre in Redlands.

I have the info that is lacking, and a correction. First, it does not have 2200 seats, but 1750 seats.

Status: Closed
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Spanish Colonial Revival
Function: Vaudeville, Concerts, Silent Cinema, Early Talking Cinema, Cinema
Seats: 2200 from 1927 to 1941. 1750 from 1941 to current.
Chain: West Coast Theatres 1927 to 1931, Fox West Coast from 1931 to 1978
Architect: John Paxton Perrine
Firm: Edwards Wildey & Dixon, 1926

Perrine later went on to help design the San Francisco Fox Theatre, and created most of the earthquake safety laws for building that we have today while he was in charge of the Port of Oakland construction. All of his buildings, including the California Theatre, survived every major earthquake. He also designed one of the runways at Oakland Airport that is still in use today.

Fox West Coast took over the California Theatre in 1931, and used it for exclusively cinema, whereas West Coast Theatres has also used it for vaudeville.

In 1978, the theatre was switched to just concert uses, where it housed several concerts until 1988, when the San Diego Foundation restored much of the building to its 1927 look. In 1991, they sold it to a developer who intended to level the building and build condos. However, the building had already achieved a San Diego Historic Landmark status, and the developer gave up on the demolition plans and sold it to a preacher.

The preacher had some bad real estate dealings, and in 2002, a mortgage company forclosed on the property and building.

At the moment, some historic preservation foundations, an investment company and a theatre group are finalizing a deal to restore and reopen the theatre. Thier current timeline is an opening in 2007. It now has a water leak with extensive wall damage, and that is the bulk of the restoration work that will be taking place if the deal is finalized.

Hello,

I'm currently a student at Woodbury University San Diego, School of Architecture and Design. I am working on my thesis project which includes the California Theater as part of my site. What I really need is any photos of the interior and floor plans or leads as to where I could get the floor plans for the California Theater. Any information is greatly appreciated. Please send any information to asuncion_janet@yahoo.com

Thanks!

A letter has been sent.

Link to the history of the theater & photos:
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/collections/theaters/california.htm

Just for info., The San Diego Historical Society (where that link is to) has many more photos than what are on the website, and they are missing large chunks of its history. I have personally gathered everything they have, and it is, unfortunately, lacking a great deal, and I had to find other sources for more of its history.

Understood, buy it is a good starting point for research.

It sure is :) I am putting together an online album of photos of this theatre right now and should have it up in a couple of days. There will be a few dozen photos in this album, both recent and as far back as the digging of the foundation in 1926. I'll post a link here when the album is ready for viewing.

The album is up. You can now find 72 photos of the California Theatre at http://community.webshots.com/album/251412768RvrdIH . Some will be ones you found also at the San Diego Histircal Society. Most will not. I shot all of the color indoor photos and most of the color outdoor photos myself.

When construction begins on the restoration, I will continue to photo-document the progress.

You may wish to bookmark the album if you want to return to it, since it will not be publically listed among my other albums for a while.

David, In your photos, which I appreciated seeing, the photo marked 1964 actually dates to the 40's judging by the release date of "The Unsuspected" displayed on the marquee.

The marquie in the photo was not installed until 1962 according to the Historical Society. However, I have found much of their information to be flawed, and will further research the origin of this marquie. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

DAVID, do you know what the structural framework is? steel? iron?
thanks!

-j

It is steel and steel lined reinforced masonry. On the photo page posted above, there are some photos of the skelletal phase of the early construction.

Fox West Coast Theatres remodeled many of their theatres marquees in the 40's. In their major market areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco and San Diego, that marquee would date around 1940-41. And other chains did the same around that time. The old milk glass type marquees were looking old at that time. As Manwithnoname pointed out those are 40's vintages cars being a Navy town, the open all night banner was another clue. Many of the theatres located in downtown Long Beach were open all night during the war.

Thanks William. The New California Theatre did not have the old milk glass type though, but it was actually black using white lettering (there is a photo of it as well). Fox did not build the theatre, they only took it over from West Coast Pictures later. However, it may be that they went ahead and replaced it at that time anyway. I have checked, and they have no records of when it actually happened. It would make sense that they would replace them all around the same time.

One of the projects in the upcoming renovation is to restore the artwork that was atop the original marquee.

David, I am an investor that has always been in love with the California Theater Building. How's the renovation going? Who are the current owners? Is the building still avaiable? Is the project for sale? Please let me know. I am a San Diego Native that has just moved back from Nevada. Thank you for your time. BKM

BKM, contact me at davideyoung@bltintown.com . I can answer all of those questions. There are a couple of red tape delays at this stage, but it will go on.

I am writing a book about my grandfather, Michael J. Rorke. He owned a restaurant at 1126 4th San Diego in 1928. I am attempting to determine the name of that restaurant. Since it is so close to the California Theatre at 1122, someone suggested that the restaurant was attached to the theatre. The 1930 San Diego telephone book lists 1126 as the Poinsettia Cafe. But my grandfather was gone by 1929.

Can anyone help me in determining the name of the restaurant at 1126 4th in 1928? Also, would 1126 be closer to or further away from C Street compared to 1122. I am looking at a photo of the California Theatre and am attempting to locate 1126.

Please contact me at patisirish@hotmail.com

Thanks and God bless,
Patrick

It is the lot just to the North of the theatre. There is a parking lot at that location now. I have photos of the theatre with the resteraunt next to it, and will see if I can find the name for you. Also, the 1927 to 1929 phone books are available for viewing at The San Diego Historic Society Archives in the Prado at Balboa Park.

Hello everybody,

{Thanks Dave for your assistance.}

In looking at photos of the California Theatre, I am wondering which side is 4th and which side is C street in 1928. (Long side vs short side) I'm attempting to pin point 1126 4th in the photos from the 1122 4th California Theatre address. Which way do the numbers run when facing the front of the theatre?

Blesings to you,
Patrick
patisirish@hotmail.com

The marquee is on 4th, and the side with the retail is on C. Today, an empty wall faces a parking lot where the building you refer to used to be.

In short, if facing the front of the New California Theatre Building from across 4th, the resteraunt would be to the right of the building.

In the picture above on this page, the resteraunt would have been where that ACE Parking sign now is and coming closer from there, to the right of that tree in the photo. This angle is the NorthEast corner of the building.

That is if the restaraunt was on 4th Ave. and not 4th St.

Does anyone know if the Cabrillo Theater in downtown San Diego is listed here under a different name? Here is picture from the San Diego Historical Society:

http://www.oac.cdlib.org/affiliates/images/csdhi/kt0290182t/hi-res/Sensor_7-116.jpg

I would appreciate any information on the Fairmount as well, which was at Fairmount and University Avenue:

http://www.oac.cdlib.org/affiliates/images/csdhi/kt0290182t/hi-res/7092-C.jpg

The Cabrillo Theatre of San Diego was demolished many years ago. The Fairmont (also known as the Crest) was closed, and the building has been redesigned for other uses.

Thank you for the update.

David -I'm a former San Diegan and recently moved to Amsterdam. I'm working on a paper for grad school with the California Theater as my subject. In the process of investigating the history and current status of the Theater, I stumbled upon this website. I just want to share what a ride it has been to read the comments and have the Theater's story unfold before me! I especially enjoyed looking at all the photos from your album! Thanks and I'll look forward to reading updates about the renovation!

Thanks Stephmc. If you have any questions about its history, I am one of the only four people who have all that is available on it. No other one organization has all of the available pieces of its remarkable story, but many have parts of it. My researchers and I physcially combed everything there is on it down to 1927 phone book ads and 1964 movie ads. I have copies of every article written on it from San Diego to San Francisco, and every news and industry photo taken of it, including all that the San Diego Historic Society and San Diego County Library have been able to gather on it. Most of their information is from the '80's. I also spoke with the (now retired) reporters who wrote most of the articles and the current and former city staff involved in various parts of its history, and have been in contact with the original architect's wife, who now lives in Northern California. If you need information for your article, I will be glad to help. I hope you are enjoying Holland.

On the restoration, we have reached a temperarry financial barrier, and are working on rasing the remaining needed funds. We are not looking so much for donations as loans, so if anyone is interested in being a financial part of seeing this amazing place reopen, leave a comment on the photo album and we will promptly respond.

Are you the owner? Or do you know who the owner is?

jst, if you e-mail me at the address I gave above, I will be happy to discuss the ownership information with you.

David, its been a while since the last comment on this magnificent theater... any updates...? how is the remodeling plans going so far.. this theater is been my favorite historical building in the nehiborhood, since I missed the oportunity to get inside when it was still operating, Im one of the many people who walk around the perimeter to maybe take a glance thru a wipe down window or to discover any signs of remodeling.
Whats going on inside..? whats with the scull painted outside..? sorry about so many questions.
Mario
P.S. Thanks for the awesome pictures you posted.

Mario, the skull is just some creative grafitti. We are still trying to get the last bit of funding. I will be sure to post an upsate when we start moving forward again.

Hi David I stop by the theater yesterday and as ussual I spent a few minutes checking out the building. Coming down on 4th st, you can see the metal arches from the roof structure (is the entire house roofless..? ) hope not.
Hey David how is the property holding up a s far as vandalism..? does people gets in easily..? hope not too... can you spare a few more historical details of CALIFORNIA THEATER.. I read somewere that the magnificent pipe organ was removed and later destroyed in an arson fire.. were in the world we will get another of this gems..? never mind all of the above... can you tell us what was the tipe of bussiness or shopping areas that the building had in its peak years, how about the penthouse on the right upper side.. fiuuu... thanks in advance for the help....
Mario

Well Mario, it is not roofless. The arches actually protrude from the roof. It was part of the earthquake-safety design. The architect was the later author of the first California Earthquake Safety Code, and this was one of his first experiments with the concept.

To our knowledge, no one has been able to get inside without a key in about three years. There used to be a nice transient that kept them out and kept the leaks repaired inside, but the former owners had him removed.

The organ was indeed destroyed in a church fire where it was housed. Its last concert was in 1991, and the fire was in 1996. We are debating about whether to replace it. The owner of the old Jack Murphy organ is in San Diego, and we may bring that one in. It has not yet been decided.

The history of the theatre itself is extensive, and goes back to the late 1920's. It was one of the first projects that R.E.Hazzard, the popular San Diego construction company, built. It was commissionened by West Coast Theatres, the largest chain in the West at the time. Fox bought West Coast out in the 1930's, and it became the California Fox Theatre. Then Fox built another theatre, which is now the Copley Symphany Hall, and the California Fox became the New California Theatre, just blocks from the New Fox Theatre.

The theatre featured film and vaudeville with an occasional concert or event. In the 1960's, it was sold to a private owner, who restored the building, rewired it, and replaced the marquee. It then showed films and concerts until 1971, when the owner died. He left it in a trust to some friends, to make sure it remains. On the trust, it went dark until 1979, when the Old Globe Theatre burned down in Balboa Park. The globe used the California Theatre to perform until the new Globe was built in 1981. The trust then held concerts in teh building until 1989. The last singer was Alice Cooper.

1989, it was deignated a city historic landmark class 4. The trust decided they wanted to be rid of it, and a rich investor came to town wanting the land to tear it down and build condos. The trust hired a man to write a report claiming that there is no historic significance to the building, and got it downgraded to a class 1, which means the building could be torn down. In 1991, just before the developer was to start, the real estate crash came allong and the project was dropped.

In an effort to rid himself of the biuilding, he sold it to a man who claimed to be a preacher for under $200,000. This man had the espestos removed and restored much of the facade.

It turned out he was not a preacher. He was a VC who had several properties going bad on him. In 1997, he ulled a mortgage using the theatre as collateral. In 2000, American National Investments bought it from him with the goal of restoring it and selling it to an organiaztion that would re-open it. However, while it was in escro, the mortgage company forclosed on the building, and told ANI that they would have to pay $10,000,000 for it if they still wanted it. This was way out of their funding range, and the deal died, leaving it the hands of the mortgage company, who though they could turn it around for a quick buck from a developer.

In 2001, the City of San Diego did away with the "class system" on historic buildings, turning the California Theatre into a protected building once more. New, more accurate reports of its historical significance had been brought out by ANI as well, so the mortgage company was not able to sell it. They tried three times, and three times the buyers backed out when they saw it was protected. Thankfully, that is where we came in.

Luck and economy have saved this building many times. We first saw the needs of the theatre back in 1995, but until this time, were unable to do much about it because of all of the contraversy around it. Now the opportunity has come that we are able to do something and we are.

We were able to bargain the price down and get guarantees from the city to greenlight the restoration. ANI is working with us, and it will cost nearly $40 million and two years to complete when it is officially started. We are almost there, with just $2 million left to raise to begin the work.

It has had a variety of business over the decades. Most of them have been resteraunts and cafes, and there was a book store for a short time. The last business to close there was a mexican grill. When it is reopened, we plan to have resteraunts there again, and a theatrical gift shop.

There is no penthouse. What you see on the top right as you face the entrance on top of the building is the elevator shaft.

SUBJECT, The California Theater located between 3rd and 4th at between B and C streets, downtown San Diego.

CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY now consists of these elements:
CT - LOBBY, BUILDING, AUDITORIUM, RETAIL, & LOT.

CT- BUILDING, Eight story excellent business address with view and has access to roof patio for party and nursery location to grow and sustain decorative plants.

Controllable access to balcony and projection booth.

The lower floors will be the last to be ready to rent.

CT- LOBBY, Lobby area and elevator NOT a part of theater.

CT- AUDITORIUM, Two level theater lobby, stage and auditorium with orchestra pit and dressing rooms. Balcony will be last to open. All are separate from building.

CT- RETAIL, Four restaurant or retail business locations are ready to be developed within the structure. The large restaurant has access to theater seats for opening night dinner and show, already to go!

CT- LOT, Do we own it? Rent it!

COMMENTS BY PROF BILL NEILL, I have contractor experience and licenses. I am from Laguna Beach where I was involved in Pageant of the Masters and Summer Theater for over 20 years. I owned 3 businesses and employed 25 employees. I own Pacific Security, serving all of Southern California, from Mexico to the Grape Vine and from Catalina to Palm Springs. All businesses made a fine profit and were very well managed. All during this time, I also taught engineering both full and part time at California State University. Contact: Billneill@yahoo.com, 619/ 281-2200.

CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY, How absurd is this: just about on every front and that includes the current efforts to amass $ 40 million in cash FIRST. This just shows you how little these people know of the business end of restoration and theater business in general, let alone how to manage this property. Buy it an put the rest in an interest bank account. Spend only the interest!!!

BACKGROUND
Just a few years ago I presented myself to the real estate agent who had a listing on the the property. She gave me the keys and said go look to your heart’s content. Power was on, about 5 bulbs worked. I came with a powerful flashlight, yellow pad, and camera. I spent about 5 hours, 10 am to 4:30 pm going through this property from top to bottom. Here is what I saw:

CT- LOBBY. This is fixable in 20 to 30 days and I already know of possible tenants. A shoe shine and cigar tenant and a limousine operator. Elevator must be fixed and modernized.

I insist on absolute security for liability, safety, and tenant acceptance.

Controlled entrance via cards must be used and computerized.

Burglar alarm and Fire alarm must be a top priority including water sprinkling everywhere.

Security cameras on all floors and fire exits.

CT- BUILDING. This is a mess. Because the building was not secured, the bums built fires in the middle of the floor, removed every door fixture, broke toilets and parts and glass, they removed every door hinge possible. They cut the power and removed all copper wire and switch boxes, selling the copper for scrap.

The immediate rental of this space in required to finance a part of the recovery of the rest of the building and property.

Five floors could be rented in less than 5 to 6 months, and a lot sooner if we all have a WORK PARTY!

I would expect a rental income of $ 12,000.00 per month almost immediately, which would net $ 10,000 per month to boot strap the retail floor renovations.

CT- AUDITORIUM. This is the jewel of the property, but must be the last to be fully restored. It will be magnificent, but we can use it as it is for now for several presentations.

Immediately tar the roof, the water leaks are going to kill us by fall of 2006. This is a very odd roof in that it is essentially a bridge tar floor supported by external bow shaped structure above. Unfortunately, having the structure outside and above makes for a zillion places for water to leak inside. So, the only immediate repair is to the roof!

Commence a search for the parts stolen from the old Simplex projectors. Fix them and use them for old time movies and general stage lighting.

Immediately renovate the lobby snack bar and make the front glitter with a paint job and a chandelier removed from the fancy buildings being torn down in Los Vegas. I know we can get these for FREE!!!

We need a wine and cheese party.

Apply for a liquor license.

SUNDAY --- Rent to a small startup church, money is money.

MONDAY --- Work on the place

TUESDAY -- Talent show, and start up bands

WEDNESDAY- Offer to small gatherings for fashion show, build a runway.
Use for computer game animations.

THURSDAY - Thursday night is Gay Night with skits and raunchy burlesque shows.

FRIDAY - - Commence the west coast version of the Cotton Club - Apollo Theater talent presentation on Tuesday, with runoff on Friday, semifinals.

SATURDAY - Student written and produced and acted plays - keep it simple for now.

CT- RETAIL. These can be income producers with the minimal investment. Lower the rent and load up the tenants! It is productive, makes the place look used, keeps the city happy and produces cash. The bums stole the electrical boxes, so we need to immediately contact any building that is being demolished for a take home donation.

CT- LOT. The lot just north of the building structure may be part of the property. I do not have the deed and so can not make this determination.

OWNERSHIP - close escrow and put the property in our name so we can get to work.

SUMMARY - It has taken far too long and keeps hitting a snag. Get with my program so we can all be proud of the rise of the California Theater.

?????? David, HELP... what is going on here.... I just read NONSENSE...
Please advice...
White

Advice? Don;t worry about the post. After we saw this post, I spoke with the poster on the phone yesterday and had a wonderful conversation. As an FYI, he is not involved in the project at this time. He does not own or rent the building, nor have any involvement personally in it yet. He is a retired realtor who did a premilinary look up of some of the lot deed information with the County of San Diego. The information available on the five lots and two properties that make this building confused him as much as it did us when we started the project, and he posted the above post before doing further research.

This project has been a true adventure so far when it comes to the papered ownership history of the theatre. Once we get the project moving, we want the ownership to stay the same and end the quagmire for many generations to come.

SUBJECT, The California Theater located between 3rd and 4th at between B and C streets, downtown San Diego.

CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY ---- PART 2 LEGAL SALE DOC 2005-1071360
It now consists of these elements:
CT - LOBBY, BUILDING, AUDITORIUM, RETAIL, & LOT.

COMMENTS BY PROF BILL NEILL, I have contractor experience and licenses. I am from Laguna Beach where I was involved in Pageant of the Masters and Summer Theater for over 20 years. I owned 3 businesses and employed 25 employees. I own Pacific Security, serving all of Southern California, from Mexico to the Grape Vine and from Catalina to Palm Springs. All businesses made a fine profit and were very well managed. All during this time, I also taught engineering both full and part time at California State University. Contact: Billneill@yahoo.com, 619/ 281-2200.

CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY, How absurd is this: just about on every front and that includes the current efforts to amass $ 40 million in cash FIRST. This just shows you how little these people know of the business end of restoration and theater business in general, let alone how to manage this property. Buy it an put the rest in an interest bank account. Spend only the interest!!!

CT- LOT. The lot just north of the building structure IS part of the property:
It was just purchased for about $ 900,000. GRANT DEED
Dated: DEC 24 2003
Seller:FOURTH AVENUE HOLDING COMPANY
Buyer:CALIFORNIA THEATRE INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC
Note: This is lot 8 on map 533-521 of County of San Diego records. It is 50’ frontage on 4th Avenue and 100’ deep.
Note2: The 50’ by 100’ lot to the rear is a parking lot and is owned by others.

CT- PROPERTY. The property was made up of 2 sets of two 50 by 100 lots. This made the property and the building on it, 200 by 100. So two of the 50 x 100 are now 100 x 100 making it 100 foot frontage on 4th and 200 feet deep, now for the first time, they are all under the same ownership.
It was purchased for about $ 6,250,000. GRANT DEED
Dated: OCT 03 2005
Seller: CURTIS TURN DEVELOPMENT, INC
Buyer: CALIFORNIA THEATRE INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC
Note: This is now lots 4 & 5 ( E & F and G & H )on map 533-521 of County of San Diego records. It is 100’ frontage on 4th Avenue and 200’ frontage on C street.
.
OWNERSHIP - close escrow and put the property in our name so we can get to work. Now that this property has just been purchased, the price is much, much higher! However, since this property is on the List of Historic places, they will not be demolishing to build on the land.

SUMMARY - It has taken far too long and keeps hitting a snag. Get with my program so we can all be proud of the rise of the California Theater. This is less and less easy to do. Mistakes become very expensive to fix!

Aknowleged, and I thank you for the follow up.
I also apologize to Mr Neill for missjudging his post.
Se you soon...
PS. I stop by the theater this morning and everything looks as ussual.
Mario

CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY ---- PART 3 -----> SECURED LOAN
The CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY now consists of these elements:
CT - LOBBY, BUILDING, AUDITORIUM, RETAIL, & LOT.
The lot just north of the building structure IS part of the property
and the property is now 100 foot frontage on 4th and 200 feet deep, now for the first time, they are all under the ownership of CALIFORNIA THEATER INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC.

Now comes a secured loan made via DEED OF TRUST AND ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS
Dated: ......Dec 14 2005
Amount: .....$ 125,000.00
Trustor: ....CALIFORNIA THEATER INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC.
Beneficiary: Lance Badgwell
Trustee: ....Commonwealth Land Title Company
COLLATERAL:..Lists all elements of the California Theater Property

Note: There is now a mortgage on the entire property.
Note2: This information extracted from the official County of San Diego records.
Note3: Mr. Director was saying: “You there, no you, YOU! Can you hum along: Hhuuuuuuuummmmmmmm! No! NOT NOW, after the fat lady sings.”
Bill Neill, Billneill@yahoo.com, 619/ 281-2200.

TO: Rev. David E. Young, Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church, Midland, MI

Subject: REPORT ON SITUATION OF CALIFORNIA THEATER, SAN DIEGO

I have managed to make contact with many if not all significant private players, officials, donors, theater organizations, and business planners about the future utilization of the California Theater property at 4th and C street, downtown San Diego.

The unanimous consensus is that the potential buyers, owners, developers, or organizations will NOT BE PERMITTED to divert this property from its sole role as a stage or film theater. At this time there exists NO option for right of refusal to purchase the property.

There will be NO condominium or other commercial property development. There will be NO church or church sponsored rehabilitation program for alcoholics or the drug addicted including any housing on the property for residents or program participants or any other entourage.

There will be NO MATCHING funding or deceitful contribution campaign soliciting funds for alleged church or other self serving programs.

Clearly anyone propositioning, promoting, or soliciting funds for any of the above alleged uses or other unmentioned deceitful intentions is a fraud upon the public and those who may contribute.

Anyone or organization now in possession of such funds already collected alleging any of the above specific or similar uses is warned to return all such collections immediately.

Compiled from personal interviews by Prof Bill Neill, Billneill@yahoo.com, 619/ 281-2200, March 10, 2006 at San Diego.

Unfortunate that the building was restored in the late 80's and has been allowed to once again disintegrate. A strange turn of events to be sure.

Anyone could tell me how big is the tower part of the building compared to the theatre itself which I believe it is 19,000 sqft?
Thanks a lot

David Young, thanks for posting the photos of the auditorium. How wide a movie screen can fit on that stage?

how many cinema subwoofers will it have?

Here is a recent photo of the California Theater.

I was the last on site manager of the california theatre building in san diego..I closed it down around august of 1990...it was in the coggeshall trust operated by the union bank..I knew that place forwards and backwards...we had five restaurants on the ground floor..the theatre and seven more floors in the office tower for a total of eight floors...after closing, the restaurants were allowed to stay until their leases ended..I understand that it has been ramsacked of copper and brass...it had a beautiful mail drop box in the elevator lobby and some other amenities that were unique...terrazzo floors above in the halls with marble mop boards....Over the years I had even operated the projectors for special films...the organ society also had their monthly show their...tooo bad it has gotten beat up in the process..we were usually 90 % rented out in the offices...every thing from architects and engineers to fly by nights...many stories could be told about the place, just in my tenure...d. scrimger

Dear Mr. Scrimger, Please contact me at billneill@yahoo.com

I am trying to collect pictures of the inside of the New California Theatre in San Diego. The Historical Society only has 2 picutures. Please help. It is my hope to restore this Theatre to its 1927 glory, but will be difficult to do without pictures of the inside. Thank you for any help. new_california_theatre@yahoo.com

I am trying to collect pictures of the inside of the New California Theatre in San Diego. The Historical Society only has 2 picutures. Please help. It is my hope to restore this Theatre to its 1927 glory, but will be difficult to do without pictures of the inside. Thank you for any help. new_california_theatre@yahoo.com

We have hundreds. Feel free to contact me.

Can anyone tell me of any plans to actually restore the theatre? It seems as though there is a lot of talk but not a lot of action. I hate seieng it in its current state.

Can anyone tell me of any plans to actually restore the theatre? It seems as though there is a lot of talk but not a lot of action. I hate seeing it in its current state.

Like to know that myself.

Greetings all,

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of wandering downtown San Diego with a friend and fellow photographer. In our wanderings, we stopped to admire the California. In fact several old-timer, passers-by told us stories about the place which peaked my interest.

I'm a photographer, documentarian and amateur historian. I publish under the name "JJ MacCrimmon" and happen to be one of the moderators of the international abandoned places community on Live Journal (http://community.livejournal.com/abandonedplaces/profile). Although I realize The California isn't "abandoned" in the sense that it's been left to rot, it is a truly historic ghost left sadly empty and idle. Given that, I'd love to have the opportunity to photograph and document the site. My goal is artistic documentation and I am will willing to provide of complete set of uneditted digital prints to the owner and the SD Historical Society.

I am intending to send this written request to the registered title holder, but felt that this venue might offer a interesting outlet first. Given the the historic nature of this beautiful location, I'd also like a definitive answer as to who truly speaks for the California? I've read both Mr Young's and Mr. Neill's comments over the last year in this forum. Gentlemen, it isn't clear based on your posts and comments.

Sincere and hopeful regards,

JJ MacCrimmon (Photography)

As a bit of added information, I sent correspondence to the title holder of record for the California Theatre on April 11th. No response has come back nor has the letter been returned as undeliverable. I've also had no replies from either Mr. Young and Prof. Neill whom I'd e-mailed at the addresses listed above on the 13th of this month.

According to the multiple phone and business directories, the Trustee "Lance Badgwell" and the LLC for the company has no phone number. Something smells fishy to me. Is anyone else listening in on this Theatre and has any more recent information?

When I ran the building, it had a feasability study to see how it would conform to earthquake protection, etc. Core samples taken and engineering was figured on it...it was cost prohibitive. An inner steel bracing structure system wopuld have to be added, plus fire equipment, sprinklers and more.
A shame that they just didn't keep it going. For 17 years now it has been in the process of being ruined....Only someone who wants to throw money at it could re-do it...It would not garner enough rent these days to pay for the high labor costs of our present generation...remember when it was built...LABOR WAS CHEAP IN THE DEPRESSION AND A LITTLE BEFORE THAT TIME. Former building manager engineer, D. Scrimger

The Warner Beverly Hills theatre returned from sitting idle for almost a decade. To become a concert/variety arts center in the heart of Beverly Hills. The owners of the property closed the theatre down because of the cost ($14 Million) for the earthquake retro-fit of the house. The house was in great shape at the time.
Today it's a parking lot on Wilshire Blvd. @ Canon Drive for the Rolex company offices.

To D Scrimger,

I can certainly understand that it will be costly to an extent. Since the building recieved a historic landmark status, that both imposed restrictions on what could be done, but also what has to be done. For example, you can not under California statue change the appearance of the building from the historical constructs of versions, this includes structural upgrades, but excludes fire protection. Becasue the building was already built and subsequently modified to the 1964 California Earthquake protection standards, it wouldn't require further modification except to install a fire suppression system.

As for cheap labor, too many places doing renovations and building already use cheap labor from south of the border. Fact of life now, but I don't see this changing. I am curious about how extensively the building was upgraded before it was closed down. "If" I can get permission to photograph, I'm curious how solidly built the place was. Falling through floors really sucks.

To William,
It's always sad when a grand old place goes away. It's part of why I try to document and record them. Sometimes the images inspire action, somethings they spur memories. In Beverly Hills, I'm not surprised it got torn down. Los Angeles has not memory of history beryond what's convienent to sell the next big thing. I photogrpah sites and activities there regularly mainly because so much is disappearing. This site is at the edge of the Gas Light District and might pull in more support. The stories of who's played this place are utterly amazing.

Here's a link to the external photos I took in March while in town. http://jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com/196615.html

To D Scrimger,

I can certainly understand that it will be costly to an extent. Since the building recieved a historic landmark status, that both imposed restrictions on what could be done, but also what has to be done. For example, you can not under California statue change the appearance of the building from the historical constructs of versions, this includes structural upgrades, but excludes fire protection. Because the building was already built and subsequently modified to the 1964 California Earthquake protection standards, it wouldn't require further modification except to install a fire suppression system.

As for cheap labor, too many places doing renovations and building already use cheap labor from south of the border. Fact of life now, but I don't see this changing. I am curious about how extensively the building was upgraded before it was closed down. "If" I can get permission to photograph, I'm curious how solidly built the place was. Falling through floors really sucks.

To William,
It's always sad when a grand old place goes away. It's part of why I try to document and record them. Sometimes the images inspire action, somethings they spur memories. In Beverly Hills, I'm not surprised it got torn down. Los Angeles has not memory of history beryond what's convienent to sell the next big thing. I photogrpah sites and activities there regularly mainly because so much is disappearing. This site is at the edge of the Gas Light District and might pull in more support. The stories of who's played this place are utterly amazing.

Here's a link to the external photos I took in March while in town. http://jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com/196615.html

The california was in fair shape except the curved steel arches on the roof were sprayed with cement and they were rusting heavily, when I run it, it could have been rejuvenated. the halls were terrazzo and in good shape and there was a little spalling of concrete on the exterior...a contractor removed the spanish tile on the parapet wall while we were there because they were coming off..quite dangerous!!! I practically lived there...I wonder what happened to some of the restaurants that finished there...Mike Corbin's Beefmasters by theatre entrance moved a block south and where is he now?...The chinese buffet on the corner of 4 and c moved a block away and where are they?....It was a convenient location right by city hall and downtown. At one time there were 5 eating places operating at the same time.....People were coming and going 24 hrs a day there...closed it aug. 1990..

Well folks, it's been a month since mailing the owner and I've received no response. It's been 3 weeks since e-mailing Mr Young and Mr Neill (above). No response has come back from either of these gentlemen despite their interest in the building. Looks like I'll be getting on the phone to call a few folks for info and legwork there.

Is there anyone on the list in San Diego that has heard anything new or recent in terms of the theatre and its on going status?

Ladies and gents, an update, or not. Approximately a week ago, I sent a registered letter to the owners of record, California Theatre Investment Group LLC. This was my third attempt to contact them for legal permission to enter the site and photograph the complex. The Post Office has the letter in their tracking system and they have attempted to deliever it several times - unsuccessfully.

The result.. nothing. No one is even making an attempt to sign for the letter at the Post Office. I am convinced at this point that the business listed as the owner of this building is a front or a shell and nothing is being done to restore it.

This sadly follows a familiar trend concerning historic/abandoned locations. A company will buy a site and propose redevelopment only to be turned down because of it's historic nature of the building(s). When they exhaust the normal efforts to gain the partial and total demolition of a site, they sell it to a holding company which promises restoration of the property. The only thing that happens is they sit on the site for years doing minimal 'upkeep', and allowing it to deteriorate in hopes that as time passes a more favorable situation will develop (condemnation, fire, vandalism, etc).

My hope is that I'm mistaken and the owners of the propety will yet contact me. The next steps to get in touch become more complicated. The California Theatre Investmenet Group LLC is registered in California (USA) so there has to be a lawyer or law office acting as their representative - that's one avenue to pursue. Next the registration in California requires the principals of the LLC (the main investors) to be identified. That's my second avenue to investigate. In both cases, any help from the community here would be very appreciated. I'd like to explore and document this site before it disappears forever.

Ohh JJ, explore it and document the inside of this magnificent building, is not only your wish, its mine too.
Its very sad and unvelievable, that some people don't realize the historic value of this theater, i've seen some inside pictures, and I think is still time to restore it.
Hey big guys, (owners ), realtors, who ever owns this jewel, have you seen the new version of the KING KONG movie..?? THE THEATER... THE ALAHAMBRA,, YESS. thats how this wonders used to look.
Hoping for the best........

I'm still trying to get in touch with them. I finally have a name for the agent.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080211-9999-1m11theater.html

Notes on the California.

Bill Neill, Box 33666, San Diego, CA 92163, Phone: 619-281-2200

We are actively pursuing the saving of the California Theater.

Today, February 11, 2008, we have completed the Nomination paperwork for the placement of the property on the State Register and have plans and commitments to proceed with the National Register of Historic Places.

This property is already on the San Diego City register.

We are completing the paperwork for our charitable organization to receive donations and take title to the property when and if the several conditions can be met. The process is slow and time consuming, but it is worth the effort, as we are determined to win this battle to save the theater.

We already have interest and tenant commitments for occupancy of 3 of the 5 retail shops, main restaurant, and two major occupants of the tower and short term theater usage. Theater commitments have also been made by several A-List Stars and major companies willing to assume and produce several shows and even interest in a TV show with national syndication is in the works on the theme of the "SHOW-TIME AT THE APOLLO" which is of interest to all of San Diego.

Historic information can be found by reading the Cinema Treasures web site. We invite all interested parties to contact me, by phone at 619-281-2200 or email at billneill at yahoo dot com.

Mr. Neill, I'll likely be calling you tonight, but there's aspects of this that I find implausible given the condition of the building when last I saw it and according to most recent reports. Most of the retail sections have been stripped bare and require extensive renovation. That observation is from what I saw when I was there last spring. I'd like into the complext to photograph it as is. Let's see what's there.

JJ
jjmaccrimmon -at- gmail -dot- com

Just curious if anyone here knows the status of the Theatre? I read an article that it has been purchased out of foreclosure for $6 million. Is the current owner planning to put it on the market for sale, or have plans to renovate it himself?

RRR

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080401-9999-1m1b2briefs.html
http://www.sdbj.com/article.asp?aID=46483731.3546664.1605864.4791337.5631903.376&aID2=123519

Dear Curious,

It was a no bid take back and the deeds show it to be more like $4 million and yes we are working on it.

Did you see this on "60 Minutes:" "El Sistema: Changing Lives ...
The reason for this small miracle is Venezuela's music education, known as El Sistema. ... Currently, about 250,000 children take part. Can San Diego do this? Will you fight to get it here? This could be big, REAL BIG for all of San Diego.

If you have an interest, why not ask 10 friends to help us and do you have any money?

Prof Bill Neill

Bill,

I may be able to assist. How much correspondence have you had with the lender? Do you know if he is willing to sell the property?

I didn't see 60 Minutes El Sistema: Changing Lives...but will check it out.
RRR

Here is a recent photo of the California Theater.

Per a request prior to the foreclosure, I've withheld commentary till now.

Right now the California has fallen into the hands of Windmill Investments (of Los Angeles). With a bit of luck, I'll make contact with representatives of the company next week. I will likely be making an offer to photograph the site commercailly to document it for historical and resale purposes. The local consortium held out an offer to 'possibly' photograph it, but I have my suspictions that the site will be sold to an overseas buyer given the current market and Windmill's connections and I may not be living on the west coast much longer.

More to follow soon,

JJ

Dear JJ MacCrimmon:

Since you still have to mess with it, please,

in Google put in

apple panorama picture

CLICK ON

Image results for apple panorama picture

on the left, the 2nd one down is the VR, a Euro bridge city pix.

1) QuickTime VR .MOV

Apple's QuickTime VR is the most popular panorama format on
the internet.

CLICK ON IT AND YOU WILL HAVE A VERY SMALL CIRCLE WITH A
DOT IN IT, HOLD THE MOUSE DOWN AND DRAG THE PIX, SEE HOW IT
MOVES up and down and all about.

I expect you to make this kind of VR picture inside, center, well lighted, good focus, professional!

Let me know when it is done.

Prof Bill Neill

This is a close-up view.

To Prof Neill,

I don't use Apple VR or the other VR programs. While they make a wonderful experience for houses and small businesses in real estate sales, they don't work for a very large site like this unless the massive files are held and processed on an business level net server (which as a freelance photographer, I don't have). The programs and captures required are painfully labor and memory intensive. They do absolutely nothing to capture the character or the beauty (even decayed beauty) for a place such as this. I'll be going for the National Geographic versus Century 21 feel which the images. I can and will however try arrange portable lighting and capture high quality area panorama shots and detail of various critical areas (including structural captures where possible). In places like this, I do my very best work.

Please understand one important thing here. Throughout our posts here and conversations back and forth you may not have understood my motivation. I see the enormous potential, amazing beauty, remarkable history and lush character of this place as it is and how it once was. I photograph fallen places and faded beauties to capture the history before they are gone. In my area and experience, I've seen far too many places have their guts ripped out by metals theives, the walls used as a canvas for taggers and grafitti 'artists'; and in the end plowed under, burned down, or ravaged by developers. It's a sad and very distrubing trend in Southern California. While I hope and pray this place is restored, I have to look at the reality of the market there, the behavior of the new owners (they have an extensive history of destructive redevelopment in Los Angeles) and the on-going condition of the building itself. I have been trying to get into this place legally for nearly two years. I'm genuinely afraid that this place will meet an untimely and suspictious end.

Unfortunately, the lawyer responsible for the deal and the new owners seem to be as difficult or more difficult to reach than the previous one. More work on that when I get the chance. My personal life and employment situation has taken front row center of late. I'm hoping to be in San Diego again several times in the coming months and hope to see the building more during those visits.

I everyone,
Just thought I would poke around and see if there was any update on The California. There was a flurry of info for a while there. In particular I was wondering if david young had any updates since he seems to be the authority on this place. Something tells me we haven't heard the last of this theater. If the Balboa which sat decaying for years can make a magnificant comeback, so can this treasured realic. From reading the posts there seems to be so many people behind the restoration of this theatre (especially San Diego residents such as myself). I have a feeling that one day soon many of us will see this theatre shine again. Here is to The California Theatre and the hope that it can once again provide the public with entertainment in the 21st century and beyond!

Ladies and gents, the window of opportunity for me to photograph the interiors of the California has sadly passed for me. Due to a lucrative job offer, I have moved to Huntsville, AL and will start hunting vintage theaters there. It's my sincere and genuine hope that someone will get into the site and be able to explore and document its rich history the way I'd hoped to.

Here is an exterior photo taken yesterday:
http://tinyurl.com/65tec4

Re: QuickTime VR comment from JJ MacCrimmon: Huh?? "Massive files"? "Memory intensive"? Dude, I made some QuickTime VRs with an ancient Mac Performa 6116 ages ago, sometime mid- to late-1990s when QTVR came out. Just took a cheap camera and a tripod, took photos at around 30 or 45 degree increments, stitched them together, which was just a matter of clicking on common points in adjoining photos and let the incredibly powerful 66MHz computer with its 32MB RAM do its work in a matter of seconds, then uploaded the VR files (each under 1MB) to my FTP space on my ISP. TaDa, interactive 360 degree panorama. I haven't done any since then, and don't even know where my copy of the software is now (that version wouldn't run on the newest Macs anyway, plus I don't currently have a tripod), but it's not anywhere near the big drama you're saying it is. If you didn't want to do a VR, fine, but there's no reason to tell tall tales about the huge amounts of computing power necessary, when a 12 year old budget-level Mac can do it just fine, which you can buy in a thrift store for $10. I just don't want anyone else to be falsely discouraged from doing VR panos, just because you're massively fibbing about what it takes. VR views of theaters would be nifty to see.

As for the Californian, I only go to San Diego maybe once a year, usually for Comic-Con, but I've been fretting for the fate of this old place for years. I had hoped there would be some good news. Well, as long as it's still standing, there's still hope, right?

CALIFORNIA THEATER AND ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P.O.Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone 619-281-2200
Email billneill@yahoo.com Site www.californiatheater.info


September 7 2008

City Attorney Michael Aguirre Phone: 619-
Office of the City Attorney Phone: 619-236-6220
Civic Center Plaza cityattorney@sandiego.gov
1200 Third Ave., #1620 Michaelaguirre@sandiego.gov
San Diego, CA 92101

Dir. Kelly Broughton kbroughton@sandiego.gov
City Planning & Community Investment Phone: 619-321-3233
202 C Street, MS 5A planning@sandiego.gov
San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-235-5200

Development Services Center Phone: 619-446-5000
1222 First Avenue, MS 301
San Diego, CA 92101-4154

Cathy Winterrowd Phone: 619-235-5217
Historical Resources Board Phone: 619-235-5224
202 C Street, MS 4A historicalresources@sandiego.gov
San Diego, CA 92101

Council-member Kevin Faulconer Phone: (619) 236-6622
202 C Street, MS #10A kevinfaulconer@sandiego.gov
San Diego, CA 92101

David M. Caterino, Coordinator
South Coastal Information Center Phone: 619-594-5682
San Diego State University scic_gis@mail.sdsu.edu
4283 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 250
San Diego CA 92105

Mr. Joseph McDole, State Historian Phone: 916-653-8972
Office of Historic Preservation
California Department of Parks and Recreation
1416 9th Street, Room 1442-7 Phone: 916-653-6624
Sacramento, CA 95814


SUBJECT: Real Estate Fraud Against A Historic Property
Gentlemen:

I write this letter to alert your agencies and departments of a continuing fraud against the California Theater Building property located at 1122 4th Avenue, San Diego CA 92101.

This property is registered as a Historical Landmark Designated by the San Diego Historical Resources Board and is on the City of San Diego Historic Roll and has been so registered since 1990 in this same status:


HRB #: 291
Name of Historic Site or Structure: California Theater Building
APN: 533-521-05
Street # Street Name Zip Code: 1122 Fourth Avenue 92101
Comm. Plan Area: Centre City
Date Designated: 10/24/1990
Year Built: 1926-27
Architect and/or Builder: John Paxton Perrine

This property is also listed on the State of California Roll from The Office of Historic Preservation as a Historic Property and has been so registered as:


Property #: 043427
Street Address: 1122 4th Avenue
Name: California Theater Building
City Name: San Diego
Own: P
Year C: 1927
OHP-PROG: Historic Survey
PRG-REFERENCE-NUMBER: 2138-0333-0000
NRS: 3S

Some 4 years ago, the City Council District 2 informed our organization that in a short time they would assist us in our effort to secure this property either as an outright purchase or using the eminent domain proceeding to acquire title to this property.

The intended goal was and still is to allow our organization to acquire this property, renovate it, preserve the historic character of this property, and proceed with our charity goals to open the theater and proceed with our youth orchestra program.
This is to be financed by our charitable contributions and grants and income from the retail shops associated with this property.

Accordingly, due to the decline in real estate values, now is the opportune time to act to consummate this obligation.

It has come to my attention that the City of San Diego, City Planning & Community Investment has deliberately conspired to defraud the citizens of the State of California and the Citizens of the County of San Diego and the Citizens of the City of San Diego and the CALIFORNIA THEATER AND ORCHESTRA GROUP organization by allowing the then and now current property owners to circumvent real estate law and the San Diego County Assessor and Tax Collector by creative addressing traced to the this very department.

It is unclear as to the possible financial incentives given or the specific counter personnel involved or the exact supervisor who performed department checks on these changes, but it is clear that the true and correct address of 1122 4th Avenue was deliberately and erroneously removed from the tax roll and this key address is the address to which ALL historic status is linked protecting this property from unscrupulous developers.

The bogus address of 1110 4th Avenue was created.

The bogus address of 304 C Street was created.

Both of these addresses magically now appear on the rolls and the true address of 1122 4th Avenue is nowhere to be found! The back taxes are in question and other state required real estate law has been blatantly ignored and broken.

California Real Estate law requires that property lines of underlying lots be dissolved, thus forming a single parcel of property upon which this entire building is located.

This property is in violation of these requirements, since this real estate property in question is located above lots G, H, I, J, and K of city blocks in downtown San Diego.

This single building has been abused in the past by having different land owners for each of the 5 lots.

In fact, documentation shows that two lots were just recently alleged to have considerable income, such that a document assigning rents therefrom was done to secure a loan that was later found in default. There were no tenants or rents, this was a fraud.

A similar situation was undertaken to void a perpetual 99 year lease of the other lots and now we find that the additional effort to circumvent the historic status and registration was done by inventing new addresses, THAT WERE APPROVED BY SAN DIEGO PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

This property, including all 5 lots, had a collective real estate value in the range of $ 3 million based upon the inflated deed prices from 3 years ago, but in view of the decline in value of all real estate, this property is now likely worth something in the range of $ 2 million today; it is a bargain time for the city to exercise its promise of eminent domain.

We are very anxious to get started in our efforts to acquire this property and are proceeding with our building fund drives, grants, and planned philanthropy. We are ready to hold title to this property and have the charitable structure in place to do so.

This is a beautiful building, rich in design, embodied in local history, and historic in every way. We must, AT ALL COSTS, preserve, protect, and defend this property for future generations. Our youth orchestra program will bring joy to the people and provide the inner stimulus to the youth of San Diego that will reduce poverty and crime, all to the benefit of our community.

We, the people, will not allow this redefinition and invention of addresses to circumvent our historic properties for this, The California Theater, or any other historic property in San Diego.


WE FURTHER DEMAND:

1. That the City planning Director Kelly Broughton put into place guidance and checking procedures to prevent this same devious procedure from occurring again in the future to this or any other historic property in this city.

2. That disciplinary procedures including termination of employment of the counter persons and supervisory checkers be executed immediately.

3. That the current owner be required to dissolve all internal property lines delineating the 5 lots that comprise this property.

4. That the address of 1110 4th Avenue be retired immediately.

5. That the address of 304 C Street be retired immediately.

6. That the address of 1122 4th Avenue be reestablished and flagged as a historic property both by the City and the State.

7. That no development or demolish permit or plan discussion be entertained.

8. That the County Recorder be held accountable to correct the maps to represent these corrections.

9. That the County Tax Collector be held accountable to correct the true tax owing on this property.

10. That the county Assessor move to reassess this property as a single combined lot and establish the appropriate values thereof.

11. That the current owner be advised that his devious activities have been discovered and that such manipulations of properties in our city will not be tolerated.

12. That a civil citation be issued forthwith for the damages done to the Citizens of San Diego, seeking restitution.

13. That the City Attorney immediately commence legal proceedings to charge the owner with fraud and obstruction of justice and tampering with a historic property.

14. That the City Attorney immediately seek to enforce the outstanding citations on this property issued by the San Diego Code Enforcement Unit as to various items of interest to the public preserving this property.

All the above are to be accomplished and completed within 30 days of the date of this letter, cumulating in a public announcement.

Sincerely,



Prof Bill Neill, Executive Director.

Good luck Bill. It may come down to suing the (corrupt) San Diego City Council to force action though. Given what you wrote into the document, it would go a long way to explain why I couldn't get into the build through legal means. They wouldn't have wanted anyone getting in to document the actual condition of the interior of the California.

Does anyone have a status of the California theatre as of 3/9/09?

What is the status of this correspondence with the City?

Windmill Investment Advisors Inc. is now a disolved corporation within the state of California. This means the property title has either been transferred for consideration to another entity or quitclaimed internally to another entity with similar partners. Also possible is; it may be in escrow for a 1041 Exchange, or another such transaction is occuring. The attorney for Windmill during the take back proceedings is in La Jolla and title records do not reflect an accurate agent for service at this time. Also involved with Windmill is a well known Real Estate attorney from Los Angeles, previously listed as the agent of service.

I'm not an expert just an interested party with access to some resources, of course most of this stuff is public info if one knows how and where to look. I would hope to see the California shine again at any cost. In fact, I would like to be invloved with its restoration, organizationally or otherwise.

A quick California Theatre related story.

in 1942 my Uncle Wate was a Submariner in the US Navy. He wrote a letter home while he was in San Diego on liberty to his younger brother who was a week away from setting off to Basic Training at the then Naval Training Center here in San Diego. When he wrote the letter he suggested to Eugene (my grandfather) that one place he be sure to visit be the New California Theatre. He went on for along time in the letter about the grandness of the theatre and how it was full of beautiful women and loud laughter like he had never heard.He commented that he would save further detail for later correspondence when their mother would be less likely to read it. He promised Eugene that one day they would meet in San Diego on liberty and visit down town and the California together.

3 weeks later in October of 1943 Wates submarine the S-44 was sunk near the Aleutian Islands. All but two of the crew perished, and Wate and Eugene never got to visit the California Theatre together. In December of 1943 prior to leaving for flight training Eugene visited the California himself and secretly wiped tears away as he
watched a movie with his buddies and remembered his big brother.

I would like to visit the inside of that Theatre some day and remember my Grandfather and my Uncle, if only for a moment for days gone by.

There are some nice photos of the theater on this site:
http://www.dsoderblog.com/

All,

I am very interested in entering this theater and photographing the work for historical and artistic reasons. If anyone has leads on how to do this, please contact me. I live only a few blocks away, so I am very able to do this to aid in historical recording or preservation.

I am particularly interested in recording the theater in its current, dilapidated state.

Pleaset contact me if you have any information on this,
Thanks,
Michael Smith

Here are three photographs I took of the California on Sunday May 17, 2009. There was a chain link fence around the front of the building, other than that it didn't look any different to me as it had every other time I'd seen it over the last 15 years or so.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3544222574/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3543408911/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3543403615/

1983 Photo

1984 Photo

Does anyone remember a restaurant called The Silver Cask next door to The California Theater? It was very exclusive and run by someone named Vera Metcalf. Just wondering.