Lompoc Theater Project Receives Over $2.2 Million in the State Budget
(SACRAMENTO) Senator Monique Limón championed a funding request, with the support of Assemblymember Hart, to secure $2.285 million in the California State Budget to fund renovations for the 1927 Lompoc Theater Project. This funding comes as an addition to the recent investment of $150,000 from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
“I am proud to have led this request to secure $2.285 million for the Lompoc Theater Project in this year's State Budget,” said Senator Limón. “This project has been years in the making and will provide a cultural center in the heart of Lompoc – bringing together families, children, artists and theater enthusiasts. I am thrilled to see this project come to life.”
“Lompoc deserves a first class landmark downtown theater. I’m thrilled to have worked closely with Senator Limon to secure this significant State funding investment to jumpstart the Lompoc Theater renovation. Reopening this historic landmark theater will bring great pride to the community and help ensure downtown Lompoc is a focal point for performing arts and education in the Central Coast,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart.
“This is the biggest thing to happen to the Lompoc Theatre since the day it opened. We now have a clear path forward that could enable us to reopen the theater in time for its 100th birthday,” said Mark Herrier, Executive Director of the Lompoc Theatre Project. “The hardworking people of Lompoc deserve this, our children deserve this, and we cannot thank Senator Limón enough. This changes everything forever.”
The Lompoc Theater circa 1927 – photo credit: The Lompoc Theater Project
The Lompoc Theatre closed its doors in 1991 after more than 60 years as the cultural epicenter of downtown Lompoc. As many California communities have brought their local theaters back to life and seen an influx of traffic and revitalization, Lompoc hopes to do the same by bringing movies, concerts, and live performances to the area.
This $2.285 million from the State will help the Lompoc Theater Project meet their $3 million fundraising goal for Phase II of the project. Phase III of the project is estimated to be completed by 2027, with a goal of raising $10 million. The Lompoc theater Project hopes to welcome residents and community members through their doors around the time of the theater’s 100th birthday, a welcome celebration for this historic community gem.
Livestream footage available here.
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Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Carpinteria, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Buellton, Solvang, Summerland, Isla Vista, Montecito and parts of Oxnard. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institution and the Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector.
Social Media: @MoniqueLimonCA