Sell House? She Can’t Even Give It Away

While many people these days are having problems selling their houses, Elizabeth Johnstone Rimpau can’t even give hers away.

Rimpau wants to get rid of the two-story, Monterey Revival-style house on South San Dimas Avenue so she can sell the six-acre property to a developer. Rebuffed in efforts to donate the house, she has sought permission to demolish it.

But because Rimpau’s father, William A. Johnstone, a prominent citrus grower and local politician, lived there until 1937, some people--including one member of the City Council--say the house should be preserved. The stucco house was built about 1891.

Rimpau, however, contends that the house does not have historical value. “It has tremendous electrical and plumbing problems,” she told the council last week. “Out of respect for my father and my family, I ask you to put it to rest.”

She said she has tried to donate the house to the University of La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona and the city of San Dimas, but no one wants it. City officials say it would cost too much money to rehabilitate it.

Bill Emerson, president of San Dimas Historical Society, said it is hard to put a price on a house no one wants.

Last year, based on historical analysis, a city environmental board said an environmental impact report should be completed before a demolition permit is issued.

The council last week rejected the recommendation, saying the house was decrepit and would interfere with a plan to widen San Dimas Avenue. The council voted 3 to 1 to allow Rimpau to demolish it.

Councilman John Ebiner voted against the proposal, saying the house should be preserved. Councilman Denis Bertone abstained.

But, to allow time for someone to submit a proposal to restore the house, the council decided to wait an additional 30 days before issuing the permit.