CC SS 20160719 SS2A - Bubbles Statue Restoration at PVICCITY OF
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
RANCHO PALOS VIERIDES
MAYOR DYDA AND FELLOW COUNCILMEMBERS
SUSAN BROOKS
JULY 19, 2016
A POSSIBLE FUTURE FOR BUBBLES AT PVIC
With the recent passing of Bubbles,the famous Marineland Pilot Whale who was
moved to Seaworld in 1987 to live out her 50 plus years, a movement to resurrect
the iconic fiberglass statue of Bubbles which graced the entrance of Marineland for
30 years.
Marineland was our Nation's first aquatic theme park, with an emphasis on
education and care of sick marine mammals and sea creatures. As a former activist
in protesting the hasty and careless transport of the Orcas over the Portuguese
Bend Landslide in the middle of the night, I join the hundreds of Marineland lovers
who want to restore and resurrect this piece of RPV contemporary history. This
would occur as a monument at the entrance to Pt Vicente in a public/private venture,
pending support of Council and ultimately, the community.
A number of residents support this effort, and they're willing to raise the necessary
funding to make it happen. I met with resident, Robert Craig, who attempted to
enlist support over a year ago when then councilman Jim Knight led the Lower Pt
Vicente Vision Plan Focus Group, consisting of a small number of naturalists. The
idea of Bubbles was not supported by these individuals, and it was quickly removed
from open consideration by the public. Mr. Craig, together with resident, Herb Stark
met with staff ( Doug Willmore, Cory Linder, Dan Trautner) and myself to discuss
options. An anonymous support/donor also surfaced to help fund the project.
After the meeting, Herb Stark and I went to see the condition of the statue with Sean
Larvenz. It was surprisingly intact, thus justifying the relatively low restoration
estimate of $20,000. Mr. Stark also informed us that the two Dolphins which flanked
the Bubbles statue at Marineland were available, as well.
1
MAYOR DYDA AND FELLOW COUNCILMEMBERS
July 19, 2016
Page 2
I am requesting that Council approve this motion for staff to pursue this project and
its proposed location and funding source, and return with an agendized report
in which the public will have an opportunity to opine. Marineland was once our
greatest quasi -natural resource. This unique piece of local history will add flavor and
a landmark at our difficult -to -find Interpretative Center.
Thank you for your consideration.
LASusan Brooks
Councilwoman, Rancho Palos Verdes
2