Bankhead and The Great McDonald’s Leap Forward

For those who really and truly want added proof of the fiscal irresponsibility of City Councliman Don Bankhead, here he is casting his vote to pay $6,000,000 to move a perfectly good McDonald’s restaurant about 200 feet to the east.

Bankhead’s only arguments? One, that he’s already wasted a bunch of money on this titanic Redevelopment boondoggle; and two, that without the relocation the titanic Redevelopment boondoggle might be harder to build!

Fortunately (somewhat) wiser heads prevailed, although nobody in City Hall ever admitted that the monstrous “Fox Block” was just a plaything for the Redevelopment staff, a source of government handouts to the so-called ‘developer,” and had absolutely nothing to do with the restoration of the historic Fox Theater.

Really and truly, Bankhead has been supporting massive boondoggles, huge corporate subsidies and crony capitalism for the better part of 25 years. High time to hit the road.

49 Replies to “Bankhead and The Great McDonald’s Leap Forward”

  1. Is this the location where they made a resident sell her place and move to make room for that McDonald’s, only to have the city take so long that the McDonald s just remodeled instead…

    1. The open space looks nice on that corner. Although I feel sorry for the lady that had to move

      1. Just that many more old craftsman houses in Fullerton bulldozed. You can’t get that history back once it’s gone.

        1. And for any of you out there that truly believe that government policy should promote “affordable housing”, do realize that that bulldozing by the FRA accomplished nothing but the opposite, just as they did at the absurd, inane and wastful Valencia/West “redevelopment” project. Let the free market function of itself, keep taxes low and true “affordability” will happen on its own.

  2. As I’ve said before, its a good thing for Banknoheadorbrain, that its not a crime to be stupid.

    Or, that special “project” would have netted him and his buds some pocket $

    Note that he doesnt refer to any hard proof that this thing would be best for redevelopment,
    he only states in his “thinking”, its for the best.

  3. I am trying to post a link from Fullertonians site that Steve Baxter wrote, but am not computer savy enough to do so. I suck!

  4. Don Bankhead along with the other morons that voted to approve this need to watch “food inc” and then come back and revisit their positions assuming there remains enough cognitive function between their ears. I wonder how many residents could have benefited from a program to have their roofs or driveways redone with 6 million dollars that was earmarked to move what amounts to, in my opinion, a gargantuan destroyer of public health. 6 million would do about 1200 driveways or roofs and it could have been done with low interest loans to the residents. Just think about the jump start to Fullerton’s economy that could have been. Nope not a chance. Instead we get some corny banners that will probably increase the frequency of traffic collisions as they are a major distraction. Hey don’t worry the three stooges will drink to that.

    1. Food Inc, good video, watch it. Do your own research, see what they are really up to…Speak with your wallet.

  5. Do people need any other reason for recalling this man? On June 5 vote him out of there before he blows any more of our money! And watch out in the meantIme, because he and his like-minded buddies on the council still have their hands on the purse strings.

  6. I believe it was two or three homes that were taken. A dirt lot sat there until McD’s said no. Imagine Bankhead that someone actually said no and threw the main wrench in his wheel of disaster. But it wasn’t because the city took too long and McD’s grew tired of waiting. The idiots thought they could bamboozle a major corporation. FAIL! McD’s owns the land they’re on. The city wanted to merely lease the corner to them and wouldn’t budge. McD’s said eff you and the plans to remodel took place, leaving no doubt they were firmly staying put.

    This pretty much squelched the city’s plans, giving the other residents on the block a sigh of relief because the rest of the homes would’ve eventually been taken. Did anyone see the plans? Ridiculous! Futuristic design, which would’ve been ok elsewhere but did not even come close to the Fox or surrounding environment.

  7. Isn’t that sick how $6,000,000 meant so little when Redevelopment was alive. And still, sans Redevelopment, not one of the RDA staffers lost a job. Circle the wagons trough-feeders: the end is near.

    1. Yes, it is. It shows you were their priorities are. $6 million to move a private business that didn’t want to move while the streets and water system fall apart. Redevelopment apples to General Fund oranges, they will say, as if they had no choice about how to spend your money. They’ll just float another bond someone else’s kids can pay for.

  8. Could you not build alot of McDonalds for $6,000,000? Just knock it down and build lots more to bring in taxes……

  9. Meanwhile, the Fox project just sits there now, a bigger eyesore than ever. Either work has stopped or it’s very internal and quiet.

    1. Perhaps it’s time to either sell the Fox to someone with deep pockets or put it on the ballot to see if the voters of Fullerton want to continue subsidizing a sinking ship. Just my opinion.

    2. I’m for saving it. Caught in the fall out were those businesses forced to close or relocate to start The refurbishment.

  10. I’m very skeptical the Fox Theatre can live up to its hype, once opened. I suspect the novelty will wear off after a year or two.

    The real problem with the Fox Theatre is the amount of TAXPAYER dollars given to them through grants and loans. They’ve received millions from Sacramento and millions in loans from the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency.

    Does anyone know how much the Fullerton RDA loaned them? Wasn’t it something like $6 million?

  11. Good afternoon. For those that are interested I am including a Fox Theatre update letter that our President, Leland Wilson prepared for the Art Walk event at the plaza last month.

    I think you will see that a lot of work has been done on the Fox and will continue to do so. Over $14M raised toward it since 2004 and which compared what was done for the nearly 20 years before. There still is a ways to go but it will be worth it and have substantial income in real estate rental income to support it so it won’t be a burden on the city.

    I encourage everyone to come to our “Hollywood in Fullerton” event on June 23rd to see what’s been done inside. The red tag will have been removed off the building because the seismic retro fit has been completed. Pretty amazing.

    The Fox has been part of Fullerton for 87 years and if it takes a little more time to bring it to life for another 87 years and beyond…it’s worth it.

    We can use everyone’s help though and wet blankets and curmudgeons don’t get anything done when it comes to this project.

    Best,

    Todd Huffman, Board Member

    (Fox President’s Update Letter)

    Dear Friend of the Fox,

    On Behalf of the Fox Board and all Fox Supporters, I want to thank you for your support or interest in the Fox Theater Project. To date, we have raised upwards of $14 million in donations, grants, volunteer hours, in-kind donations and loans. We are in the last few months of Phase 1, which will
    be completed by May 31, 2012. The last 18 months have seen major planning and progress on-site and when completed in May will include the following:
    1. Seismic Retrofit and Structural Stabilization of All Buildings (Red Tag Removed)
    2. Complete Exterior Historic Restoration (With the Exception of the Tearoom)
    3. Exterior Stucco and Paint
    4. Major Systems Upgrades (Plumbing, Electrical)
    5. Transition & Beautification of Corner Parking Lot to an Outdoor Dining/Patio
    6. Firestone Building Ready for New Tenants
    7. Tea Room “Almost” Ready for New Tenants
    Most people don’t realize that when complete, The Fox Campus will produce hefty lease revenues upwards of $1,000,000+/year. In Phase 2, we anticipate commercial funding of 50% of cost to complete the project. This is GREAT news.

    Phase 2 calls for complete restoration of the theater, completion of the tearoom and an addition on the east side of the theater for theater support space in the basement and 1st floor. The second, third and rooftop levels will contain offices and a rooftop lounge, which will provide additional lease revenue not previously planned.

    The cost to complete Phase 2 is roughly estimated to range from $14-$17 million.
    The Funding Plan is As Follows:
    1. 50% from Commercial Financing
    2. 50% from Capital Campaign
    The Fox qualifies for commercial tax credits, which are estimated at approx. $4 million. This means that
    at the end of the project we can use this money to pay back any financing or a financing/donor partner.

    The future looks very bright indeed. If you or anyone you know would like to donate to the Phase 2 construction/capital campaign, please contact me. I’d be honored to discuss the opportunities.

    Sincerely,
    Leland Wilson
    President/FHTF-Fox Fullerton

    1. Todd (and Leland):

      Since your post failed to address the questions I raised, let me ask you directly:

      1. How much of your funding is in loans from the Fullerton RDA or other government agencies?

      2. When are the loans set to mature, and what happens if the Fox Theatre defaults on those payments?

      3. Why would local residents under the age of 40 patronize the Fox Theatre any more so than the places we already frequent? The Fox Theatre has NO sentimental value to us younger folks. Personally, I do not attend shows for the beauty or ambiance of the facility. The only reason I go is if the performance is expected to be worthwhile.

      4. Leland’s proclamation of $1,000,000 in annual rent revenue is presuppositional thinking as its finest because you’ve already declared the “Fox Campus” a success. It’s like an unemployed person saying their income will be $200,000 this year because they will magically get a job next Tuesday.

      Look, the Fox Theatre project shouldn’t be scrapped. I just wish you, and the rest of the Board Members, would start looking at this realistically for a change.

  12. Vernon Dozier :
    Todd (and Leland):
    Since your post failed to address the questions I raised, let me ask you directly:
    1. How much of your funding is in loans from the Fullerton RDA or other government agencies?
    2. When are the loans set to mature, and what happens if the Fox Theatre defaults on those payments?
    3. Why would local residents under the age of 40 patronize the Fox Theatre any more so than the places we already frequent? The Fox Theatre has NO sentimental value to us younger folks. Personally, I do not attend shows for the beauty or ambiance of the facility. The only reason I go is if the performance is expected to be worthwhile.
    4. Leland’s proclamation of $1,000,000 in annual rent revenue is presuppositional thinking as its finest because you’ve already declared the “Fox Campus” a success. It’s like an unemployed person saying their income will be $200,000 this year because they will magically get a job next Tuesday.
    Look, the Fox Theatre project shouldn’t be scrapped. I just wish you, and the rest of the Board Members, would start looking at this realistically for a change.

    Well Vernon, since I was trying to put something out in perhaps a too simplistic, “positive” manner I will now answer your questions with the knowledge I have.

    1) Here’s all the “government cheese” since your so concerned.

    2005 – The project received a $1.65M “Challenge Grant” from the RDA if the foundation could match it from private sources to purchase the building and property for appx. $3.5M and save it from the wrecking ball. $1M came from an anonymous donor (don’t even try to guess who it was because you can’t.) The rest came from private Fullerton folks and businesses. Many of which were UNDER THE AGE OF 40 at the time.

    No terms on this money to be returned.

    2007- The Fox Project was awarded a grant of $1.92M from the California State Library Board’s “California Cultural Historical Endowment” (CCHW) from a large pool of money for projects like this set up years ago with Proposition 13.

    No terms on this money to be returned and it had to be matched with our own funds, in-kind services and thousands of volunteer hours.
    Many of which are UNDER THE AGE OF 40.

    2009-The RDA agrees to loan the project $6M that is secured by the real estate and will be paid back as percentage of rental income on Firestone Corner building and Tea Room. Those terms are still tbd because of timing on completion and lease agreements which the City controls.

    Also, in 2006 with all the work being done by Fullerton Heritage, the Fox complex was put on the National Registry of Historic Places which will not only provide a $4M tax credit when the project is completed, insures it cannot ever be anything but a theatre. That’s real $4M that comes back to the project.

    2. Since the terms are not finalized on the Fox’s loan from the City, it has not yet been determined what happens under a “default” situation which is highly unlikely since the City will be paying themselves back from their rental income that they set up.

    3. Why? Don’t paint ALL younger people under 40 with your paint brush of anti-sentimentalism. Our most enthusiastic and energetic volunteers and donors are young people who even if they did not attend Fox movies as a child (though many did since the Fox was opened until 1987), they like the idea of coming to Fox in the future for movies, live music, etc.

    By the way, the foundation has had discussions with music promoters like Goldenvoice and Avalon Attractions about using the Fox for shows including music YOU AND EVERY OTHER UNDER-40 YEAR-OLD may like. But you would have sit in a tacky 1925 theatre with dumb restored murals, iron chandeliers and other architectural “art”.-Hey but it will have latest sound and projection equipment! (insert sarcasm here.)

    Don’t know if you know who artists like Jackson Browne or Bonnie Raitt are, but they have already agreed to play at the Fox when it opens.

    4. Leland is only stating the business truth based on how much rental space will be available, what prevailing rates for leasing in downtown Fullerton are and will be in the future and demand for the using the Fox’s facilities for rentals such as weddings, seminars, lunches, award ceremonies, school functions, etc.

    And, it’s unfair (or ignorant) to compare the statement “an unemployed person saying their income will be $200,000 this year because they will magically get a job next Tuesday” unless your hypothetical unemployed person (here the Fox Theatre Complex) has a unique skill set (rental property on one of the busiest intersections in the area (130,000 cars a day) that they can court MANY employers. (Lessees). That just might be a job for some one with a specific income (lease rate/term) and start date (lease start date).

    If you really feel the project “shouldn’t be scrapped” then why be a “wet blanket” and raise issues publicly when you don’t know the facts? The project already has challenges with a lot of the old guard in this town (many of which you all lambast here all the time and I would tend to agree with.) who never wanted the project to succeed and it’s probably killing them that we are moving forward. It is known that this hinders the Fox’s “donor pool” in this town with the “old money”.

    Realistic? We look at this project very realistically every day (hence myself spending the better part of my morning word-smithing this to set the record straight) and continue to move forward because at the end of the day we know it will be the crown jewel of downtown Fullerton….you might even like what you see inside.

    Thank you.

    Todd

  13. Goldenvoice and Avalon already use the Fox in Pomona. The Fox in Pomona was restored for a meager $14mil with ample parking and loading for major touring acts as well as proper sound and lighting to please the tech ryders of these acts. The Fox Fullerton has none of these and at the meetings I have brought up these issues it seems they are headed by the clueless in these matters. I have offered my 30 years in the concert production and touring business to help and have been ignored due to the facts I have brought up questions about the reality of operating a concert venue. Leland Wilson just sees dollar sign beer goggles on how much the rent of the so called support businesses that would bring in income to the venue. I don’t see much sense in wasting my time and efforts and money on the Fox as its been run by the clueless since it got funded. Thanks Todd , and good luck… The over 40 crowd.

  14. 2. Since the terms are not finalized on the Fox’s loan from the City, it has not yet been determined what happens under a “default” situation which is highly unlikely since the City will be paying themselves back from their rental income that they set up.

    I was at a water meeting, and the city is trying to charge me rent on the buildings,the city buildings on city property…so If I get your thought process here,you think the city isnt going to charge us citizens, for this somehow, you are living in a different fullerton than I am in, and OLD money, what does that mean? Are you referring to the fake wanna be evil hill dwellers that have been ripping off the city for generations, Im supposed to be excited again, why? I like the fox, but think we have some serious pipelines we need to survive,the fox is great, but unless it a food pantry for the homless, its way out of line of fires that need to be put out at this time.

  15. Roy-Hope all is well. I can assure you that an experienced thought process has gone into the design of the venue taking into all things you mentioned in your vast experience. The Fox has the renowned architectural firm Westlake, Reed and Leskosky (WRL) doing the work and they specialize in theatres and performing arts centers. I guess I will consider (and remember) myself one of the “clueless” in these matters since I have been giving my free time toward this project for all of us in Fullerton going on 9 years.

    Citizen M (real name?)-If you bothered to read the post you would see that I said the City is in charge of LEASING the property to PRIVATE BUSINESSES.

    Besides, the City charges you for all kinds of things already…it’s called sale taxes, property tax, vehicle registration fees, etc, etc. the ALL citizens of this town and country HAVE to pay.

    Weird… again, another person who “Like’s the Fox but…”

    Ya know I have followed this blog for a while and never posted anything but thought I would try to educate everyone on one of our city’s positive community efforts. But I’m starting to see that this place really is about negativity that feeds on itself to allow everyone to complain about something.

    Not very fun. I’ll just put my head back down and go back to work.

    1. Todd, don’t be so sensitive. This is a blog, not a tea party.

      Some folks just don’t care that much about the Fox, and others look askance at any project that City has wandered into. And with good reason. For instance, the restoration of the Fox theater was leveraged by Redevelopment staff into a vast, subsidized monstrosity known as the Fox Block.

      People are sick of paying for city staff make-work boondoggles. Not very fun.

      Now, soldier on and good luck.

    2. Please forgive the apparent naivety and percieved negativity of us here but when does it become obvious that that pile of lead laden old bricks is a massive white elephant and a money pit? Will the sum total be about 30 million to get it up and running? I will tell you one thing, If the wild west a block or two to the south gets wind of a bunch of jewelry laden revelers at the theater you will have a clash of the titans. The 2 elements will not coexist peacefully for very long. In case you haven’t noticed the US economy is in a depression. We have electronic soup kitchen lines called food stamps. Community center millions-ball fields millions. Hundreds of millions (half on the sports fields?) on the Junior College and they don’t even have a nursing program. What joke that is. Rooms with no proper ventilation and functioning HVAC systems. How many million on the library and the same old books. Come on the community has needs. We have the Union and the Confederacy on our hands -north and south-haves and have not’s. Roads and pipes and sidewalks and schools all pushed way past their expected lifetime being neglected. Lead pipes lead flux coming out of ALL the drinking fountains . Most parks are in disrepair, with their bathrooms atrocious or non existent. I am not a socialist but if the taxes and municipal employees on the taxpayer funded clock are gonna spend our money and lobby for cash, lets not be so stupid and elitist. Crime is expensive and ignoring the reality at hand only ensures its continued expansion. This pagan immortality is not a joke anymore. The armory is old and cold. The books at the library are cared for better than the less fortunate. When leaders ignore social issues we don’t get what we pay for. Maybe the prayers said in the council chamber and the meetings are falling on deaf ears because of blindness, pride and arrogance of the orators. I just dont get it. Enjoy the view from the hills as when the power goes out the darkness will befall us all. Lets hope we can see the light before it is too late.

      1. Wow! I like what you said.

        It’s about time people started complaining about the corruption all around them.

        Hey Todd, the people of Fullerton are tired of getting ripped off by Three Blind Mice. The FPD/Omerta may be too far gone to turn around. It is the antithesis of public safety.

        I see nothing wrong with some righteous anger.

    3. Hi Todd, doing well here, I just moved into a new 8000sqft warehous and concert season is picking up. I know you have put a lot into the Fox and I don’t consider you one of the clueless by any means. I have been in many theaters designed, redesigned all over by so called ” architectural firms that do so, sadly they have ideas that don’t coincide with the reality of touring bands that perform at them mostly and I don’t think they can turn the Fox into one of them especially with the neighborhood so close, especially with the magnificent and under used poorly managed Plummer around the corner. Once the “if you build it they will come” dream of a few wares off , and I’d give it generously a year, it will become another white elephant and will eventually end up a Korean BBQ like most of North Fullerton is becoming now…

      1. Blind Roy Fullerton :
        Hi Todd, doing well here, I just moved into a new 8000sqft warehous and concert season is picking up. I know you have put a lot into the Fox and I don’t consider you one of the clueless by any means. I have been in many theaters designed, redesigned all over by so called ” architectural firms that do so, sadly they have ideas that don’t coincide with the reality of touring bands that perform at them mostly and I don’t think they can turn the Fox into one of them especially with the neighborhood so close, especially with the magnificent and under used poorly managed Plummer around the corner. Once the “if you build it they will come” dream of a few wares off , and I’d give it generously a year, it will become another white elephant and will eventually end up a Korean BBQ like most of North Fullerton is becoming now…

        Roy-Glad the biz is doing well. And while the Fox may not be able to handle Bruce Springsteen, our “so called” architects and other professionals have taken into account live music acts being able to do something at the Fox and the Fox will benefit from it.

        Other than that, your optimism of the theatre lasting beyond the “North Korean BBQ” phase is only a little discouraging. You might ask the 500-1000+ people who regularly came to the dozens of “Movies on the Fox” events over the years or the numerous requests we get to use the Fox for quinceaneras, weddings, movie and music video shoots, and other events before it is even open.

        I know we can’t force people to “like the Fox” or want it to succeed, but we can at least ask people to try and recognize the facts and not distort them. Really, a lot of good Fullerton folks of all ages have helped physically, financially and emotionally for years to see this through and can’t we as Fullertonians have at least one bright spot we can all rally behind?

        Because we all know there are a lot of issues that aren’t bright right now but things are moving in the right direction.

        1. Hey Todd, I’m not talking about Bruce Springsteen , I’m talking about the B- C+ touring acts I deal with everyday. Theaters like the Fox could never ever keep its doors open just doing live music and I know that better than anyone having seen so many go under from The Golden Bear to the Whiskey a Go Go. Well I have put way more than 2 cents into the Fox and have been to the movies on the Fox, not that they showed any good ones, (in my opinion) however when I approached the powers that be about my services (and offered them for free mind you) I was tossed out like navel lint, I was a bit upset , but I’m over it. They spent money foolishly hiring a guy who didn’t help out anyone and especially the Fox. I’m still here and willing to help but my offer of “free” has passed along with look of joy I had caring about a landmark I grew up with and a town that is in such turmoil.

  16. The Fullerton Harpoon :
    Todd, don’t be so sensitive. This is a blog, not a tea party.
    Some folks just don’t care that much about the Fox, and others look askance at any project that City has wandered into. And with good reason. For instance, the restoration of the Fox theater was leveraged by Redevelopment staff into a vast, subsidized monstrosity known as the Fox Block.
    People are sick of paying for city staff make-work boondoggles. Not very fun.
    Now, soldier on and good luck.

    Harpoon-Thank you for the thoughtful reply.

    Only sensitive, when you try to put some information out that will inform and people will appreciate because they don’t know the detail on and instead of “Thank you for the update and we didn’t know that”…you get something else.

    We are soldiering on because we do have our own battles to get the project completed for everyone.

    Thx.

  17. Todd Huffman :Roy-Hope all is well. I can assure you that an experienced thought process has gone into the design of the venue taking into all things you mentioned in your vast experience. The Fox has the renowned architectural firm Westlake, Reed and Leskosky (WRL) doing the work and they specialize in theatres and performing arts centers. I guess I will consider (and remember) myself one of the “clueless” in these matters since I have been giving my free time toward this project for all of us in Fullerton going on 9 years.
    Citizen M (real name?)-If you bothered to read the post you would see that I said the City is in charge of LEASING the property to PRIVATE BUSINESSES.
    Besides, the City charges you for all kinds of things already…it’s called sale taxes, property tax, vehicle registration fees, etc, etc. the ALL citizens of this town and country HAVE to pay.
    Weird… again, another person who “Like’s the Fox but…”
    Ya know I have followed this blog for a while and never posted anything but thought I would try to educate everyone on one of our city’s positive community efforts. But I’m starting to see that this place really is about negativity that feeds on itself to allow everyone to complain about something.
    Not very fun. I’ll just put my head back down and go back to work.

    I like the fox, like I like coleslaw, can live with it or with out it….FOX theatre, is cool- but really- you think this city that is about to be at its ruin, is gonna be saved with banners, and theatres…for who? the bar patrons….yawn, lame sauce.

  18. Complain…I havent seen you at city council, or any other meetings….but I have seen you at the swaree’s that suck to those with large bank accounts…thank you for slumming and trying to educate us idiots about a theatre that has stood like a fire hazard in Fullerton for years..I figure lets fix our water pipes that are in 400 year dis-repair..I figure that is a priority, gees Im thinking about every citizens, not just the theatre crowd..pardon me..good luck on your theatre,as Im sure you will place luck on our water pipes..

  19. Citizen M :
    Complain…I havent seen you at city council, or any other meetings….but I have seen you at the swaree’s that suck to those with large bank accounts…thank you for slumming and trying to educate us idiots about a theatre that has stood like a fire hazard in Fullerton for years..I figure lets fix our water pipes that are in 400 year dis-repair..I figure that is a priority, gees Im thinking about every citizens, not just the theatre crowd..pardon me..good luck on your theatre,as Im sure you will place luck on our water pipes..

    CM-I make my appearances at council meetings when there is Fox business because we have to work with the council and staff on the project. Plenty of other folks are making appearances for the more important issues that they are probably far more qualified to articulate to the council.

    As far as “swaree’s” (I think you meant soirees) and actually I haven’t been to many/any of those in years…but, yes I need to because actually there are people we Fox people need to stay in front of who can help finish the theatre for all of you and, in all honesty want to write checks for the theatre because water pipes aren’t as sexy. They figure their that’s what their tax dollars are for. Let’s suck on!

    No one is slumming and no one called anyone “idiots”, and be careful with that “fire hazard” talk around here or you might be confused with others in the this town that wanted to see the Fox burn to the ground.

    I don’t know crap about water pipes and systems but have some basic info that our water pipes system here in Fullerton was suppose to last 70 years and we are about 20 years past their prime. (400 years?) I understand, we have 400+ miles of pipes in the city and were suppose to fix about 6 miles a year beginning about 20 years ago. I hear we are behind and seems there are people who can re-prioritize things to get the back on track. Let’s all hope so.

    In the meantime, I think if there is a water line issue in the city, it will get fixed and perhaps fixed again and again until a more reliable solution is implemented. In the Fox, there will be all new water lines…that’s part of what the project is paying for along with new sewer, new electrical, seismic retro fits, etc. For yourself, if you have a water pipe issue call a plumber.

  20. Todd Huffman:

    Your defensive tone reeks of arrogance and condescension. Remember, I wouldn’t be writing these posts if I didn’t want to help you…

    A loan or a grant, it makes no difference, you are using TAXPAYER money courtesy of me and thousands of Fullerton residents. We didn’t get to vote on your funding. I have a right like everybody else to ask questions about how and where my money is being used.

    My remarks about the under 40 crowd pertain to the age of the ticketholders once the Fox Theatre is opened. I’m sure you have supporters of all ages right now, unfortunately this fails to predict the audiences the Fox will attract.

    Leland’s perception of “business truths” are fantasy. What makes you so sure of future revenue possibilities in light of national and local economic conditions the last five years? Empty retail space exists all over this city that can be had for LESS than prevailing rental rates. So what if the Fox Theatre is on a busy intersection downtown. If you cannot attract the crowds you think you can, the retailers will disappear and so will the rental revenue.

    Let me try once more to persuade you that the under 40 problem is serious and should concern you greatly. The 2010 census revealed that 50.3% of Fullerton residents are UNDER AGE 35. The show selection and ticket pricing must draw younger crowds in order to develop a loyal audience base who will return for decades to come, otherwise the longterm future of this endeavor is doomed.

    An alarming number of my friends’ parents had their retirement savings and real estate equity wiped out so badly by the recession, they won’t be attending shows or going on vacation ever again. I think the reality of us needing to supplement our parents’ retirement income is very real in the next ten to twenty years. This leaves two problems relevant to the Fox Theatre: 1) You won’t have wealthy older folks seeing shows on a regular basis like you would have right now, and 2) middle-aged residents providing for their kids, spouse, and parents won’t be seeing any shows at the Fox Theatre or any other place. No money will be left for entertainment.

    You claim to be realistic but I respectfully disagree. Your reality seems tainted by wishful thinking which you already accepted as fact. Have you considered the inconvenient possibility the Fox Theatre doesn’t live up to the hype? Do you have a plan to address this potential problem?

  21. Sorry Vernon. I think the defensive tone came from your condescending reply to what I thought was an informative post.

    How are your posts “helping us” and our project by being negative and casting doubt? I know you feel you have to defend my response because perhaps I’m a little sarcastic (sorry..) and well informed but I wanted to put some real information out and all that came back was…well…read above.

    Besides, though a tax payer like myself we can’t all “vote” on everything the gov’t spends money on. That’s why we have politicians doing the work for you. Vote for them. (Which seems we all will be doing in June 🙂

    Sounds like you wouldn’t have voted to save the theatre anyway which would’ve mean’t another stucco monstrosity of an apartment building which was GUARANTEED going to replace the Fox if everyone didn’t step in. We would’ve all loved that. Look it up. Yep, Thank all of us.

    I believe in most of what goes on here but I’m tiring of this already after one day.

    Sheesh…

    1. Todd, why is the Fox Theatre project entitled to positive thoughts and opinions?

      The foundation accepted public funds. You should be comfortable with public scrutiny, especially since much of your money is free and the open-ended loans from the Fullerton RDA would not possible through a bank.

      Don’t you understand how fortunate you guys are to have this public money? The impression I get from your replies is to blame the City Council, but don’t say anything negative to hold leaders of the foundation – such as yourself – in a negative light.

      I would have shut up long ago if you showed some humility without attacking my concerns in the manner you did.

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