SAVE THE DERBY, says Matt Deckard

[Veronica Parra]

I saw you at the Los Feliz meeting last Thursday night, Matt. Press pass and all.

So ... is the Fedora Lounge officially supporting the SAVE THE DERBY campaign?

 

[gobler]

I was unaware that the Derby is going to be demolished What is LA thinking in allowing one more landmark to disappear? Perhaps FL and Retroradar can get a petition going. What do you think MK?

Cheers,
Jeff

 

[Wild Root]

I didn't have the chance to attend the meeting on Thursday, how was it? Did they reach a verdict? What's going to happen?

I was there a week ago Friday and well, I saw RCR (Royal Crown Review) and I had to endure three horrible comics before the band came on! The first guy started off on a great note by insulting us all and he used mostly four letter words to describe his jokes. Must say I was impressed by his I.Q. in insulting the audience and expecting a good reaction in his story telling. They all were bad and the dancing was crowed because the back room was full of couches and chairs! Not a dancer friendly place any longer!

If they don't tear it down, they should just make it a restaurant and restore it to a "Brown Derby". It'd be better then seeing OK bands and getting stepped on all the time and getting cursed at!

Regards,
=WR=

 

[Mycroft]

What is the campain about for and where?

 

[Veronica Parra]

I'll let Matt Deckard fill you in. Matt?

 

[Miss Neecerie]

see....this thread...

and possibly quite a few others recently.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=3736&highlight=Derby


Not sure what the absolute latest status is, but i am sure you can google for it and come up with recent stuff.

 

[Veronica Parra]

Since Matt seems to be AWOL right now , I'll fill you in.

I live in Los Feliz, right across the street from the Derby. A development company quietly purchased the site from Tony Gower (the Derby's co-founder) soon after the death of his partner, Tammy. They have since leased it to another owner, who (he says) would like to be able to revive it. However, everything depends on whether or not the developers will be able to get the property re-zoned for mixed use. If they can (and it will take years to find out), they plan to demolish the Derby building/parking lot and build an enormous condominium complex in its place. This complex would have shops on the ground floor, and perhaps a Whole Foods-type supermarket as well:

-- 80 condo units rising fifty feet from the sidewalk at Avocado St.
-- 40,000 sq. ft. supermarket
-- 7,441 sq. ft. retail space
-- 390 parking spaces


The problems with this plan are manifold. In addition to the demolition of the Derby, the condo's size (one entire block!) would be completely out of synch with the rest of the neighborhood, which is small and village-like. Traffic, already horrendous there, would get worse. On-street parking -- what little there is of it -- would all but disappear. No new supermarket is necessary: we already have a large Albertson's (and a health food store) a block and a half south of the Derby. Furthermore, this massive condo building would be plunked down on narrow Avocado St., a quiet residential block with small bungalow homes and small '30s apartments. The value of those homes would plummit, as traffic would make a mess of the street.

The developer's first design for the condo was awful: a cheap postmodern pastiche of boxes atop boxes. Protest forced it to go back to the drawing board. The new design, supposedly "Spanish colonial", is in fact an imitation of the Victorian "Green Apartments" building on Raymond Street in old town Pasadena: a weird mix of Venetian, Turkish and Queen Anne Gingerbread, with a bit of Spanish thrown in.

The Los Feliz Homeowner's Association is the oldest and most powerful in Los Angeles. They may not oppose the demolition of the Derby per se, but they will certainly fight to the death against the construction of a behemoth.

I'll let you in on a little secret: this development company is known for buying property cheap, doing the work of getting it re-zoned, and then selling it to the highest bidder. In other words, it doesn't even end up "developing" what it buys. All those "Spanish Colonial" designs and promises mean nothing: whoever buys the re-zoned property from the developers will have an open door to build whatever crappy-looking building it wants, and neighbors won't be able to do anything about it.


Okay, Matt, I'm out of breath here. Anything you'd like to add?

 

[Veronica Parra]

.......

 

[WetDog]

Holy moly. You'd think that the state would at least grant it historical landmark status. But I guess there's no money in that, and that's all anybody thinks about anymore.

Richard

 

[Wild Root]

It seems that our whimsical, talkative Matt Deckard is out and will not post to this thread till it is at least 14 pages long.

You summed it all up rather well there ol?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ bean! Bravo on your well described insight! That?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s how it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s going to most likely be. I pray for goodness sake that those horrible condos will not go up with the added retail space. You made a very good point in the fact that there is an Albertson?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s down the street and a health food shop right a crossed the street!

The question is, does Hollywood or LA always do the right thing? Of course not! They hardly take the time to look into the future and see what they?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢re doing before it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s too late. Look at the Ambassador Hotel! That thing is coming down fast and it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s all for a new school which will over flow with kids like the others. They already tore down Hollywood Lanes where ?¢‚Ǩ?ìThe Big Lebowski?¢‚Ǩ? was filmed! I used to go there all the time and now, it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s just a distant memory! Oh Hollywood, I ask why, WHY???

=WR=

 

[Rebecca]

Save the Derby Update 12/23/05 - new website, planning meeting etc.

Save the Derby has a new website: www.savethederby.org

It's chock full of information, photos and links. Learn the history of the Derby. Watch a video podcast of 500+ Derby fans and supporters facing off against the Developer at the Town Hall Meeting, Get tips on writing to councilman LaBonge. All this and so much more.

www.savethederby.org

[That's DOT ORG this time ... but don't worry, in a few days the DOT COM address will point to the same new updated website. Two addresses, one new site]

Save the Derby Strategy Meeting - Wed Dec 28th at 7pm
(Come for the Derby, stay for the latkes!)

We've made great progress but there is still a long way to go. Come to the next Save the Derby stategy meeting: Wed Dec 28, 2005 at 7pm at 1509 Portia in Echo Park. Get Map. There's lot's to discuss, especially our Derby Day fundraiser in the spring. And - in honor of the season: good cheer, good wine, chocolate coins and homemade potato pancakes!


Big Bad Voodoo Daddy helps spread the Save the Derby word.

Home grown music favorite Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (a well knownswing band that got its start playing a regular weekly gig at the Derby) mentioned our cause on national TV. Better yet, they put information about the threat to the Derby on the news section of their website and included a link to our petition. Big Thanks to BBVD!

(You have signed the online petition to Save the Derby, haven't you?)

Please Join our Email list and forward this info to friends

If you would like to receive news and updates by email, just join our email list. Write to list@savethederby.org.

 

[Rebecca]

Update 12/23/05 - Save the Derby website, planning meeting and more!

Save the Derby has a new website: www.savethederby.org

It's chock full of information, photos and links. Learn the history of the Derby. Watch a video podcast of 500+ Derby fans and supporters facing off against the Developer at the Town Hall Meeting, Get tips on writing to councilman LaBonge. All this and so much more.

www.savethederby.org

[That's DOT ORG this time ... but don't worry, in a few days the DOT COM address will point to the same new updated website. Two addresses, one new site]

Save the Derby Strategy Meeting - Wed Dec 28th at 7pm
(Come for the Derby, stay for the latkes!)

We've made great progress but there is still a long way to go. Come to the next Save the Derby stategy meeting: Wed Dec 28, 2005 at 7pm at 1509 Portia in Echo Park. Get Map. There's lot's to discuss, especially our Derby Day fundraiser in the spring. And - in honor of the season: good cheer, good wine, chocolate coins and homemade potato pancakes!


Big Bad Voodoo Daddy helps spread the Save the Derby word.

Home grown music favorite Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (a well knownswing band that got its start playing a regular weekly gig at the Derby) mentioned our cause on national TV. Better yet, they put information about the threat to the Derby on the news section of their website and included a link to our petition. Big Thanks to BBVD!

(You have signed the online petition to Save the Derby, haven't you?)

Please Join our Email list and forward this info to friends

If you would like to receive news and updates by email, just join our email list. Write to list@savethederby.org.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Don't know how I missed this thread, but read this!

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=5157&highlight=Rebecca+Goodman

Yes... Yes I am for saving the Derby!

Here is a letter I wrote to the spearhead of the cause.

Rebecca Goodman

And to you all,

I have been defeated on so many fronts lately that
when I was approached about the save the Derby
campaign I felt as though joining in the efforts would
be like reaching to catch another falling knife. My
attitude toward the derby was indifferent. The
building in my mind has seen its lifespan and is ready
to be replaced. The Derby has been altered and changed
so many times that it to me was just another swing
dance club heading toward the chopping block. Rebecca
Goodman asked for my help and what help I gave was
bare bones if any. She single handedly created the
fervor for the save The Derby campaign. She stepped up
to the rank of general and those that were ready to
take on the challenge followed her into the
battlefield with guns blazing.

On the tenth of November I attended a town meeting
where the future of the land where The Derby sits was
openly discussed. For me it put things in perspective.
The crowd was overflowing the auditorium and the
passion of the locals and those that believe in
preserving history could literally be felt in the air.
I admit I do not know all the details, and before now
saving the Derby came in third to anything for which I
had a minor passion.

Seeing the locals in person staring down the new
landowners they had a sense of mystification toward
the new landowners ideas to tear down the Derby and
replace it with an apartment complex, this is what
stirred me. The landowners appeared to have no inkling
of what they were going to confront when they attended
the meeting. The crowd had a clear picture. To the
crowd, taking down the Derby to put in apartments was;
yes… sure to cause traffic problems from parking, yes
going to change the whole dynamic of the neighborhood,
and yes going to generate a construction nightmare
that could last a long long time, though most
importantly what I felt wafting off the crowd was the
feeling that these new landowners were carpetbaggers
who bought a part of the town which has on it the
local church.
I can debate in my head over and over again the merit
of saving an old building, though the merit of saving
a piece of Hollywood history is priceless. This is not
an old building… this is Hollywood, and Hollywood
needs all the old history it can spare. The Derby is
the place where movie stars dine and you can too. I
was resoundingly bland and indifferent about the place
and for that I am ashamed. To tear down Graumans's
Chinese would be sacrilege. To tear down Musso and
Franks would be sacrilege. To pull the stars off the
walk of fame would be sacrilege, and to tear down the
derby would be sacrilege. The derby is Hollywood’s
roots.

I am ashamed Rebecca. I am ashamed of how I put this
cause in the pile of the lost. I am ashamed that I
didn’t see the importance.

I admire you and your tenacity and your unbending will
to make this cause work. On the tenth of November
Rebecca Goodman filled that auditorium and spread the
word that the Derby is not an old building that has
seen its day. It is Hollywood’s history.

You are a good soul Rebecca. I am on your side.


Save the Derby!

www.savethederby.com


Matt Deckard

 

[Dr. Shocker]

I wish there was more people could do......my biggest problem are mixed emotions over this subject.....I do not want to see the Derby Closed Leveled or anything else......that being said i also understand the right of the land owner to do what he wishes with his property.......as with most things there are two sides (somtimes more)........I would hate to see the Derby or any other classic structure torn down for some nuevo design monstrocity......on the flip side I woud hate to be trying to build somthing that I would think looks good only to have the city or the public telling me I can't......the best answer would be to get the Derby placed on a historic list (it may already be) which should protect it.......the other would be to get these developers to make thier intentions known a lil more publicly......meaning unless you attend every city councel meeting you will miss a developer asking for rights to do a project.....be it build on that empty lot or leveling a much loved building......Ventura has had it share in the past and there is now a group who monitors the city councel for developers looking to level more of our historic downtown....wether they can stop it or not at least they are trying.....I hope to see the Derby saved and even sent my two cents to the councel.....of course being me I set it in a more cyical way....explaining how I agreed they should level the Derby and that peky obseritory and any other build older than ten year so progess could come through.......and they could house more low income people.....helping with the population growth in LA.....you know how much poloticians love poor people.....wow I thought I was going to write a short note

 

[Matt Deckard]

The latest news on the Save the Derby Campaign from Rebecca Goodman.

The Cultural Heritage Commission has changed its mind and decided to consider the nomination to make the Derby an official City Landmark!!

We are one step closer thanks to the amazing work of Marcello Vavala, Jay Platt, Adriene Biondo and the Los Angeles Conservancy who prepared the nomination.

Plus, we had great testimony from Derby supporters ... including a very passionate statement from Councilman Tom LaBonge himself. He was there. And - he came through on his promise to help Save the Derby. We trust he will stick with us as we move forward.

Yes - - those emails, calls and personal appearances at meetings really do make a difference! Our nomination is being considered and we are moving forward to the next step.

BUT REMEMBER: WE HAVE NOT WON YET! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

STAY TUNED for the next hearing date ... probably mid March.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Sign our online petition to support landmark status

For more information and current news visit our website at www.savethederby.com

Thank You and Long Live the Derby,
Rebecca

Rebecca Goodman
Founding Member, Save the Derby Coalition
www.savethederby.com

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Yes, indeed. And L.A. folks, when Mora's Modern Rhythmists (or even Royal Crown Revue) play at The Derby, PLEASE attend! Patronage is a good thing. The new owners are giving it everything they've got, but they need your help. Come and have a cosmopolitan.

 

[Rebecca]

Save the Derby: Make the Derby an Official City Landmark

Save the Derby from Demolition!

Come out on Sunday to the Dean Mora Show at the Derby and support the Save the Derby Cause! The Save the Derby Coalition will be at the Derby in full force on Sunday March 12th for the Dean Mora show and to spread the URGENT DERBY WORD!

We will have flyers and petitions and ... and even wireless internet access to help make the Derby a Landmark!

ON THURSDAY MARCH 16TH, THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING AT CITY HALL TO DECIDE WHETHER THE DERBY SHOULD BE MADE AN OFFICIAL CITY LANDMARK. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING

WHAT: Public Hearing - Nomination to make The Derby a City Landmark

WHEN: Thursday March 16, 2006 at 10:00 am

WHERE: Cultural Heritage Commission
City Hall - Room 1010
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Get Map


SEND A LETTER OF DERBY SUPPORT TO THE DECISION MAKERS: CLICK HERE

It's most effective if you write something in your own words but if you get stuck we have sample letter you can use. Just copy-and-paste, sign your name at the bottom ... and hit send. It's that easy! Just click here

SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION


This is the real deal folks, this is when the Derby really needs you. Developers would like to build a massive condo complex on the property. See for yourself - - check out the developer's last set of drawings for "Hillhurst Square."
The protection that comes from official Landmark status is our best hope for saving this beautiful, historic building. The Derby is the last original Brown Derby restaurant from Hollywood's Golden Age that is still standing. The Derby is a landmark in our hearts but to Save The Derby we must make it a Landmark on paper. Please Help!!

(To read a copy of the Derby Landmark nomination or to learn more about the landmark process click here. )


PLEASE REPOST THIS NOTICE! EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS! TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW! GET THE WORD OUT! SAVE THE DERBY!

Thank you and long live the Derby!
Rebecca

Rebecca Goodman
Founding member, Save the Derby Coalition
www.savethederby.com