Save Berkeley's Finest Masterpiece from the Wrecking Ball

Greetings friends of Save the UA Berkeley,

The United Artists 1932 Art Deco theater is slated to be demolished. The City of Berkeley has filed its final Notice of Decision granting the developer full exemption from undergoing a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) environmental impact report (EIR.) This means the theater, save the front facade, will be completely torn down soon.

Our group, www.savetheuaberkeley.org has decided we will appeal this decision. We question the legality of the City in hiding documents from its own zoning board. The City is possibly ignoring CEQA legislation, which deems this theater must undergo a CEQA environmental report as it is registered on the State Historic National Registry.

This group is NOT against affordable housing. There are quite a few high rises built and being built in Berkeley. We are glad of this. However, this is a unique, one of a kind masterpiece that must be restored. It was originally built as a full theater with a stage and orchestra pit. The United Artists original walls including its fixtures are still there, behind the multi-plexed walls.

We cannot guarantee that appealing will save this masterpiece, however it is a step that must be taken to allow fair and legal consideration of current state law protecting historic buildings of significance.

The appeal will cost $1,500, plus funds we will need to prepare our documenation. We are hoping for about $2,000. We will need several hundred dollars to update our website.

We know that the holidays have put a strain on our wallets, but now is the time we have to step up our fight. We can only do that with your help.

We have been fighting for two years and have never asked for financial help although we have spent several thousand dollars. We cannot do this without you.

Thank you for your concern and assistance in helping us to preserve one of the last theaters in Berkeley.