HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation Phone: 619-281-2200 Email Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
This is just a fraud on the good people who want the HCT to survive. We all suspected this all along, but agreed to let it play out — now you see what we got — NOTHING BUT HOT AIR.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
Phone: 619-281-2200 Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
I believe the public and the city officials have all come to the same conclusion, when it was revealed that the person you are talking about was found to have other names and in fact was not the person he represented himself to be. This is just one more tragic chapter in the HCT.
My informants found many irregularities and suspected this was just one more attempt to make the waters even more muddy and distract from the goal of saving the HCT.
As for myself and my associates, we continue to hold out hope that we will be allowed to save it sooner rather than later and we have only one name, it is,
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
TO THOSE EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY:
Thank you for your interest in the HCT.
The information you seek is on line as I have posted all I have there for the public to use and see.
In general the owner has been uncooperative, refusing all requests for access, you are welcome to try, but I suspect you will get nowhere.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
TO THOSE EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY:
I received a call a few days ago telling me that an appraisal of the 6 lots, upon which makes up the Historic California Theater property at 1122 4th Avenue, has been completed.
According to this information, the property is currently valued at three million dollars.
This is the same figure that has been discussed before by various groups, so it is nice that it continues to be the same amount as before.
I do not have any written documentation in support of this, so the credibility factor must be confronted, but it has and continues to be the same figure and this gives us somewhat of a target, so to speak.
Now, if I could just find my checkbook and get on with it!
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
The speech given by Prof Bill Neill, Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group at the July meeting of the Historic Resources board resulted in increased public interest and indications that the San Diego City Attorney and the Code Enforcement will commence a strong effort to protect this historic asset. Major fines will commence with several demands that are all welcome and in the public interest. Thank you for your time.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
As Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group, I welcome this opportunity to address this board today. I have an enormous passion for the the theater, especially the People’s Theater.
It is not my intention to politicize this issue that is equally important to all our historic resources, but I must remind you all to just keep in mind: Time is the enemy; it is not me.
I raised the issues of protecting history nearly a year ago. I pressed ahead asking for urgent action on the way in which a property, be it as big as a building as it is in this case or as small as a hand woven basket, they are each history in the hand.
We are the caretakers of this history!
You are the designated board to establish historic items!
Once done, owners have various rightful advantages, but that whole scene has a second act: these historic items must be protected from fire, theft, vermin, graffiti, and the elements. I note that last few weeks ago the entire building was damaged by rude decorations on the walls; this is graffiti.
Broken windows allowing birds and bees to enter a historic building must be promptly repaired. We have various formats within which to work, but where is the Clean Up and Abatement order on this property?
Where are the compelling repairs to the Historic California Theater? Such as a new roof on each of the three areas needed to protect from water damage?
We must keep in mind, these are irreplaceable items. To have lost an artifact due to water damage is unforgivable, so dereliction of duty to a fiduciary duty and obligation to specific performance simply must not happen or be tolerated.
Where are the motivating fines?
We are dealing with a company that is of a size that is in the 100s of millions of dollars. They acquired this property by way of default and foreclosure and are not motivated to view this property as anything other than its potential as a financial investment.
They do not care about the historic value of this property! It is just a potential profit center to be exploited to the point of no more profits.
We know this to be true, because of their lack of action, but that is about to take a major change in attitude, enforcement and results.
I have researched and found that courts have imposed fines on the order of $ 1,000. / day, with some even imposing them to the tune of $ 1,000. / hour.
A fine of $25,000. per day is my target!
Get it fixed or pay or donate it to our organization and we will fix it. These fines should commence in 30 days, not months and months from now.
I pointed out earlier, I have a passionate interest in this theater and I will stop at nothing to get it one way or the other. We WILL acquire the California Theater property and demand that it is protected from all that might harm it. Many people are disconnected from history so it’s nice to reconnect to our past
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 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
1200 Third Ave., #1620
San Diego, CA 92101
Dir. Kelly Broughton
City Planning & Community Investment Phone: 619-321-3233
202 C Street, MS 5A
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
San Diego, CA 92101
Council-member Kevin Faulconer Phone: (619) 236-6622
202 C Street, MS #10A
San Diego, CA 92101
David M. Caterino, Coordinator
South Coastal Information Center Phone: 619-594-5682
San Diego State University .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:
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.
That disciplinary procedures including termination of employment of the counter persons and supervisory checkers be executed immediately.
That the current owner be required to dissolve all internal property lines delineating the 5 lots that comprise this property.
That the address of 1110 4th Avenue be retired immediately.
That the address of 304 C Street be retired immediately.
That the address of 1122 4th Avenue be reestablished and flagged as a historic property both by the City and the State.
That no development or demolish permit or plan discussion be entertained.
That the County Recorder be held accountable to correct the maps to represent these corrections.
That the County Tax Collector be held accountable to correct the true tax owing on this property.
That the county Assessor move to reassess this property as a single combined lot and establish the appropriate values thereof.
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.
That a civil citation be issued forthwith for the damages done to the Citizens of San Diego, seeking restitution.
That the City Attorney immediately commence legal proceedings to charge the owner with fraud and obstruction of justice and tampering with a historic property.
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.
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?
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.
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, , 619/ 281-2200, March 10, 2006 at San Diego.
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.â€
Bill Neill, , 619/ 281-2200.
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: , 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 50â€\ frontage on 4th Avenue and 100â€\ deep.
Note2: The 50â€\ by 100â€\ 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 100â€\ frontage on 4th Avenue and 200â€\ 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!
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: , 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 heartâ€\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.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation Phone: 619-281-2200 Email Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
This is just a fraud on the good people who want the HCT to survive. We all suspected this all along, but agreed to let it play out — now you see what we got — NOTHING BUT HOT AIR.
Prof Bill Neill.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation Phone: 619-281-2200 Email Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
I believe the public and the city officials have all come to the same conclusion, when it was revealed that the person you are talking about was found to have other names and in fact was not the person he represented himself to be. This is just one more tragic chapter in the HCT.
My informants found many irregularities and suspected this was just one more attempt to make the waters even more muddy and distract from the goal of saving the HCT.
As for myself and my associates, we continue to hold out hope that we will be allowed to save it sooner rather than later and we have only one name, it is,
Prof Bill Neill, E. D. HCT.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200 Email Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
TO THOSE EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY:
Thank you for your interest in the HCT.
The information you seek is on line as I have posted all I have there for the public to use and see.
In general the owner has been uncooperative, refusing all requests for access, you are welcome to try, but I suspect you will get nowhere.
Good Luck on your efforts.
Prof Bill Neill, E. D. HCT.
we will see.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
TO THOSE EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER PROPERTY:
I received a call a few days ago telling me that an appraisal of the 6 lots, upon which makes up the Historic California Theater property at 1122 4th Avenue, has been completed.
According to this information, the property is currently valued at three million dollars.
This is the same figure that has been discussed before by various groups, so it is nice that it continues to be the same amount as before.
I do not have any written documentation in support of this, so the credibility factor must be confronted, but it has and continues to be the same figure and this gives us somewhat of a target, so to speak.
Now, if I could just find my checkbook and get on with it!
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
The speech given by Prof Bill Neill, Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group at the July meeting of the Historic Resources board resulted in increased public interest and indications that the San Diego City Attorney and the Code Enforcement will commence a strong effort to protect this historic asset. Major fines will commence with several demands that are all welcome and in the public interest. Thank you for your time.
HISTORIC CALIFORNIA THEATER AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA GROUP
a pending, tax deductible, charitable corporation
P. O. Box 33666, San Diego CA 92163-3666, Phone: 619-281-2200
Email
Site http://californiatheater.awardspace.us
Please call me, Prof Neill, Executive Director.
NOTICE
entire building was damaged by rude decorations on the walls; this is graffiti.
To Historic Resources Board
From Prof Bill Neill
Members of the Board, ladies and gentlemen:
As Executive Director of the Historic California Theater and Youth Orchestra Group, I welcome this opportunity to address this board today. I have an enormous passion for the the theater, especially the People’s Theater.
It is not my intention to politicize this issue that is equally important to all our historic resources, but I must remind you all to just keep in mind: Time is the enemy; it is not me.
I raised the issues of protecting history nearly a year ago. I pressed ahead asking for urgent action on the way in which a property, be it as big as a building as it is in this case or as small as a hand woven basket, they are each history in the hand.
We are the caretakers of this history!
You are the designated board to establish historic items!
Once done, owners have various rightful advantages, but that whole scene has a second act: these historic items must be protected from fire, theft, vermin, graffiti, and the elements. I note that last few weeks ago the entire building was damaged by rude decorations on the walls; this is graffiti.
Broken windows allowing birds and bees to enter a historic building must be promptly repaired. We have various formats within which to work, but where is the Clean Up and Abatement order on this property?
Where are the compelling repairs to the Historic California Theater? Such as a new roof on each of the three areas needed to protect from water damage?
We must keep in mind, these are irreplaceable items. To have lost an artifact due to water damage is unforgivable, so dereliction of duty to a fiduciary duty and obligation to specific performance simply must not happen or be tolerated.
Where are the motivating fines?
We are dealing with a company that is of a size that is in the 100s of millions of dollars. They acquired this property by way of default and foreclosure and are not motivated to view this property as anything other than its potential as a financial investment.
They do not care about the historic value of this property! It is just a potential profit center to be exploited to the point of no more profits.
We know this to be true, because of their lack of action, but that is about to take a major change in attitude, enforcement and results.
I have researched and found that courts have imposed fines on the order of $ 1,000. / day, with some even imposing them to the tune of $ 1,000. / hour.
A fine of $25,000. per day is my target!
Get it fixed or pay or donate it to our organization and we will fix it. These fines should commence in 30 days, not months and months from now.
I pointed out earlier, I have a passionate interest in this theater and I will stop at nothing to get it one way or the other. We WILL acquire the California Theater property and demand that it is protected from all that might harm it. Many people are disconnected from history so it’s nice to reconnect to our past
I have more, if the board will allow me?
Are there any questions.
Thank you for your time.
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 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
1200 Third Ave., #1620
San Diego, CA 92101
Dir. Kelly Broughton
City Planning & Community Investment Phone: 619-321-3233
202 C Street, MS 5A
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
San Diego, CA 92101
Council-member Kevin Faulconer Phone: (619) 236-6622
202 C Street, MS #10A
San Diego, CA 92101
David M. Caterino, Coordinator
South Coastal Information Center Phone: 619-594-5682
San Diego State University .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:
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.
That disciplinary procedures including termination of employment of the counter persons and supervisory checkers be executed immediately.
That the current owner be required to dissolve all internal property lines delineating the 5 lots that comprise this property.
That the address of 1110 4th Avenue be retired immediately.
That the address of 304 C Street be retired immediately.
That the address of 1122 4th Avenue be reestablished and flagged as a historic property both by the City and the State.
That no development or demolish permit or plan discussion be entertained.
That the County Recorder be held accountable to correct the maps to represent these corrections.
That the County Tax Collector be held accountable to correct the true tax owing on this property.
That the county Assessor move to reassess this property as a single combined lot and establish the appropriate values thereof.
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.
That a civil citation be issued forthwith for the damages done to the Citizens of San Diego, seeking restitution.
That the City Attorney immediately commence legal proceedings to charge the owner with fraud and obstruction of justice and tampering with a historic property.
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.
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
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 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.
Dear Mr. Scrimger, Please contact me at
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, , 619/ 281-2200, March 10, 2006 at San Diego.
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.â€
Bill Neill, , 619/ 281-2200.
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: , 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 50â€\ frontage on 4th Avenue and 100â€\ deep.
Note2: The 50â€\ by 100â€\ 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 100â€\ frontage on 4th Avenue and 200â€\ 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!
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: , 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 heartâ€\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.