Whittier Turns New Pages in Post-Quake Chapter : Possible ‘Turnaround’ at Pussycat Fuels Debate Over Uptown Future

In the middle of considering an Uptown redesign plan tailored in part to wipe out the X-rated Pussycat Theater, the City Council was astonished to learn Tuesday that the theater apparently plans to screen only mainstream movies after reopening in October.

“That’s sure a major turn-around,” Councilman Myron Claxton said after the news prompted a burst of applause from those attending the council meeting.

“It would be great if it happened,” echoed Councilman Gene H. Chandler.

The city has spent about $400,000 in legal fees fighting the theater since Walnut Properties bought it in 1977 and began showing adult movies. The 1930s-era Art Deco building, originally known as the Wardman Theater, sustained more than $100,000 worth of damage in the Oct. 1 earthquake and has been closed since.

Block Considered Crucial

The theater, on Greenleaf Avenue between Wardman and Philadelphia streets, is in the middle of a block that city officials consider crucial to the redesign of the earthquake-devastated Uptown business district. In creating a plan for the block considered by the City Council on Tuesday, city redevelopment staff proposed a retail and office plaza with a parking structure in the rear.

The theater property was shown as open space in the plan, prompting speculation that the City Council was using its power of eminent domain to accomplish what the courts have thus far refused to do--stop the theater from showing adult movies.

The council expressed displeasure with the plan even before learning about the theater’s turnabout, and directed city staff to present some alternatives at the council’s Sept. 6 meeting.

“This design tends to be modernistic and radical,” Chandler said. “I really don’t see it in the heart of the village.”

Chandler also doubted whether the city could afford the estimated $3 million to $6 million needed to buy part of the block from existing property owners. The city already owns 71% of the block.

No Commitments

Mayor Victor A. Lopez said the proposal was “purely concept” and emphasized that the council has not made any commitments.

But after the meeting, Asst. City Manager Robert Griego said he believes the redesign plan will still call for the leveling of the theater.

“I still want the ability to create the areas and parking garage and walkways” that the theater property would permit, he said.

With regard to the theater’s apparent change in programming and new role in the revised plan, City Manager Thomas G. Mauk cautioned that Walnut Properties has misled the city before. “Don’t count on it until it happens,” he said.

Word of Walnut Properties’ intentions came in a letter from the company to Wilson Turner, an Uptown merchant who plans to rebuild on the same block. Turner read the letter, typed on Walnut Properties letterhead and signed by President Jonathan Coda, then gave copies to the council. Assistant City Manager Griego said the company has not directly notified the city.

Apparent Changes

Coda has apparently replaced former Walnut Properties President Jimmy Johnson. Publicist Don Haley also has left the company, according to a receptionist. Coda did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Historic preservationists greeted the news about the theater enthusiastically.

“It’s one of the few examples of Art Deco style in Whittier,” said Joe Da Rold of the Whittier Historical Society. “This is a good time to focus on the building.”

Meanwhile, the city’s appeal of the latest ruling in favor of the Pussycat is pending before the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The city is arguing the validity of its 1977 zoning ordinance that prohibits businesses from selling sexually explicit material within 1,000 feet of churches or schools or within 500 feet of residences. The theater is only a block away from four churches.