From: Joanna McMillan
To: City Council
Subject: Chapman Estate
Date: Wednesday,February 12,2025 4:00:24 PM
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I have been involved with the Chapman Estate Foundation's yearly fundraiser,almost from its inception.I have been in charge of decor and table arrangements for many years and enjoyed making the place more beautiful then it already is..
But prior to that time,when we had just moved to Shell Beach,I always marveled at the grandeur and charm of the Chapman Estate.It always seemed to me like the kind of gem in a town which could bedazzle and inspire any other community to longingly have such a property in their backyard! So many towns and cities are afraid to make a bold statement,too afraid to become less"vanilla",too terrified to be out of the ordinary,which is exactly what sets one town apart from one another. And it especially inspires visitors to come from far away and feel they've"discovered"something historical,something with a story,something special to the community.To throw that away would be such a tragedy.After all,what else is there in Pismo Beach that fills these requirements? The Chapman House is a perfect,a perfect setting for so many community activities! I encourage you to transfer management to the Chapman Estate Foundation so that this landmark can remain open for public enjoyment.I know there are specific efforts being made to turn portions of it into a living museum.What an incredible draw that would be for the public to enjoy! I remember walking by,and imagining those gates as the ones in"The Sound of Music",where Maria sings `I have confidence in confidence alone'.When the music from the symphony is wafting through the neighborhood,and operas are being sung from that place,I can't imagine anything that you should have more confidence in, than to continue to honor and enjoy this property!
Respectfully submitted,
Joanna McMillan