Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Donates $150K to Restore Lompoc Theatre, Bringing Entertainment Back to Life
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of the historic Lompoc Theatre. With a generous donation of $150,000, the tribe aims to bring entertainment and culture back to the heart of Lompoc, California.
The Lompoc Theatre, which has been dormant since 1991, holds historical and sentimental value for the local community. The nonprofit organization leading the restoration project is dedicated to reopening the venue and reintroducing movies, concerts, live performances, and more to the public. To support this endeavor, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has committed to matching every dollar raised by the Lompoc Theatre Project, up to the amount of $150,000.
Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, expressed the tribe’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, This is a project that can revitalize that stretch of downtown Lompoc and become a hub for entertainment in the area. We are proud to support efforts that foster community enrichment through the arts and have the potential to bring together people from diverse backgrounds.
Situated in the heart of Lompoc, near the corner of Ocean Avenue and H Street, the Lompoc Theatre has a rich history as a center of entertainment. Mark Herrier, Executive Director of the Lompoc Theatre Project, affirmed the significance of the venue to the community, remarking, This theater was the pride and joy of this town…People were so proud of it. Herrier acknowledged the struggles faced by Lompoc but expressed his belief that the refurbished theater would serve as a catalyst for the city’s revival.
The current restoration project is progressing through its second phase, with the goal of completing phase two in June 2025. Achieving this milestone will enable the venue to accommodate an audience of 99 people. The final phase of the project is slated to conclude in 2027, just shy of the theater’s 100th birthday. Its successful realization will require reaching a fundraising goal of $10 million. Once complete, the Lompoc Theatre will open its doors to a full audience, reminiscent of its debut in 1927.
Taking into account the diverse demographics of Lompoc, the restored theater aims to cater to a wide range of interests. In addition to screening movies, the venue plans to host live music, concerts, stand-up comedy, salsa dancing, cultural events, political debates, holiday parties, public forums, art and film festivals, and Spanish language movie nights. The objective is to provide a space that offers something for every person in town.
The restoration venture involves extensive interior and exterior renovations, including roofing, structural enhancements, seating upgrades, painting, flooring improvements, electrical system upgrades, lighting installations, fire sprinkler installations, parking lot resurfacing, and retrofitting of the basement, among other essential tasks.
Mark Herrier expressed his gratitude for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ donation, acknowledging the transformative impact it will have on the project, stating, Where we are now with this grant from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is game-changing.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community and has donated over $25 million to various groups, organizations, and schools across the nation. To learn more about the Lompoc Theatre restoration project or make a donation, individuals can contact info@lompoctheatre.org or visit their website at lompoctheatre.org/fundraising.
By breathing new life into the Lompoc Theatre, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Lompoc Theatre Project are paving the way for a vibrant cultural revival in Lompoc. The restoration of this iconic venue promises to uplift the spirits of the community and provide a platform for creativity, artistry, and togetherness.
