From: Valerie Lallo
To: City Council
Subject: Save the Chapman Estate
Date: Thursday,February 13,2025 7:36:59 PM
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Dear City Council members,
I am writing in support of saving and preserving the Chapman Estate.I implore you to explore all options that will save this magnificent property.It would be an absolute travesty for the Chapman Estate to be sold to the highest bidder and be lost forever.
The Chapman Estate is more than just an iconic piece of the Shell Beach shoreline.To me,it is a place of cherished family memories.
Clifford Chapman and my grandmother,Geraldine Paul,were first cousins.Their mothers were sisters.
My father lived in the guest cottage while attending Cal Poly.Throughout my childhood,my family would visit from Bakersfield and stay at Clifford's in the cottage.I can still vividly remember the smell of the vintage furniture, the creak of the narrow staircase and being lulled to sleep by the sound of the crashing waves.Over the years,we attended events at the property,including a large family reunion shortly after the pagoda was added.It is a source of many happy and fond memories.
In recent years,my husband and I have started attending the annual fundraiser.Although we live in Bakersfield,we are willing to support the estate any way we can.
I pray that the property will be preserved and maintained through a nonprofit.It should also be added to the National Register for historic homes so that it can never be destroyed.If this city council truly values the wishes of Clifford, every effort must be made to save this property.I hope you will consider the voice of someone who knew and loved Clifford.If you are unable to divest of the property to either the foundation or another non-profit,I hope you will consider speaking with family members,like myself,who are interested in and capable of preserving the legacy.
Thank you,
Valerie Lallo