Let's create a new genre, one which defines our era of nostalgic innovation.

Santa Monica High School's Barnum Hall was once the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, a 1937 Art Deco gem hosting our City's most elegant events. After 60 years, Barnum Hall is closed, long overdue for restoration.

To augment School District and City funding, a team of 30 local leaders is soliciting donations from our community. As north-of-Montana neighbor Jean Sedillos wrote here two weeks ago, Santa Monica's showbiz megacompanies seem like naturals.

Just restoring Barnum Hall to its original Art Deco splendor would be a worthy contribution to our community for local entertainment giants like Sony, MGM and MTV. But why not add the latest in high-tech multimedia capabilities as well, to create a showcase venue spanning the best of six decades?

I've recommended to our City's Telecommunications Working Group that we seek partnerships among the City, the School District, and private sector companies to create a new Santa Monica style, worthy of our entry into the 21st Century.

Take classic Art Deco, restored to full glory. Mix in multimedia technology to encourage and enhance creative performances.

Call it "Art Techo."

Former Mayor Judy Abdo is working with Jean Sedillos on the Barnum Hall restoration effort. Says Judy, "Art Techo! I love it! That would be a truly innovative way to preserve our community's history, while building toward the future."

So, which of you corporate heavy hitters will step up to the plate? MTV? MGM? Sony? Something tells me you'll be getting a pitch from Jean and Judy.

STUDENT COMPUTER ACCESS

While we're waiting for our "Art Techo" future, do you know your neighborhood schools now offer early-morning and after-class free access to computers for students and their parents? Roosevelt and Franklin Elementaries and Lincoln Middle School have opened their libraries for writing and research.

Schools throughout Santa Monica and Malibu got funding this fall for extended hours of computer access, under our District's expansive technology plan. For times and days, ask your school librarian.

VOLUNTEER VICTORY

Last month's Wilshire/Montana Parking Issues Workshop was more than a valuable forum for discussing solutions to one of our community's most vexing daily annoyances. It was also the first Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition event manifested entirely through volunteer efforts.

Despite the withdrawal of City support since last spring's budget, neighborhood organizing continues to provide residents a chance to be heard, to work together, and to make a difference in their community.

Our parking forum identified problem spots in our neighborhood, and City Traffic Engineer Doug Biagi walked us through the process of seeking solutions (Thanks, Doug!).

If you missed the mid-October workshop, but believe your street needs parking help, it's not too late. Call the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition at 450-5578.

One idea from a workshop participant seems to be something as yet untried in Santa Monica. What if we striped parking spaces in residential neighborhoods, as is done in metered areas?

Think about how many times a single car now blocks two useful parking spots. A quick survey of my 16th Street area hinted we could increase the effective number of onstreet spaces by ten percent or more!

DOLPHIN MIGRATION

The upcoming appearance of a sea mammal on Montana has nothing to do with El Nino. Besides, this dolphin will be bronzed.

The Dolphin Change program ,sponsored by our Chamber of Commerce's Homeless Task Force, collects pocket cash for our City's social service agencies. The dolphins are streetside piggybanks, designed by local sculptor Peter Erlich.

Dolphins already decorate our Promenade and our Pier. It's a long dry uphill swim, but rumor has it a new dolphin may be beaching on Montana as far inland as the corner of 15th Street.

MONTANA OPEN HOUSE

Save the first Friday evening in December for the Montana Avenue Open House, an annual tradition in our neighborhood. Stores up and down the Avenue, from 7th to 17th Streets, throw open their doors from 5 till 9 pm.

Taking a deep breath as they start their holiday shopping season, merchants join other local businesspeople in welcoming their neighbors to stroll the street, enjoying free food and refreshments.

The festive atmosphere includes live music on almost every block, with expected entertainment ranging from elegant choral groups to funky reggae.

This year's December 5th celebration could presage a new effort to make Montana a more walkable neighborhood. Stores are considering staying open late every Thursday, to see if that creates a strolling, shopping and dining evening for locals.

LET US HEAR YOUR VOICE!

The Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Call us at 450-5578 for details.

To join the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition, jot down a list of the issues you care about in our neighborhood and send it to us at P.O. Box 607, Santa Monica 90406.

Back to Kevin's home page?