Save Pizmo Grammar School - Pismo Beach

06/07/2022

06/03/2022

Pismo Beach and local history lovers, send your email this weekend:

Say NO to the Newton Plan to demolish 1000 Bello.
Backed by Scott Newton, Marcia Guthrie, & Mary Ann Reiss.

Your input/comments are needed at the next Pismo Beach City Council meeting. Consent Calendar, Item L. Demolition of the 1923 Brick Schoolhouse at 1000 Bello.

Pismo Beach doesn't have the balls to say on the agenda that this item is to demolish the 1923 brick school building at 1000 Bello, ... making no effort to save the historic fascade in place.

The city has taken the approach that the entry with steps cannot be saved, due to ADA requirements. Our County Courthouse saved its historic front steps and brought ADA access in from two sides. Pismo Beach is just as smart as the County. We can do this.

There are ways to have an efficient public safety facility AND save the old historic brick fascade. One plan previously submitted had the backing of the Fire Chief. With additional lots now purchased and leased with option to buy, the city has ample room to exit on either side of the old school fascade.

On the June 7 agenda, it is this item:
Consent Agenda: Item 9.L: "Amendment #2 to Agreement with Mary McGrath Architects for Professional Services for the Public Safety Facility Project"

Staff is offering this Recommendation:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment #2 to the existing Professional Services Agreement with Mary McGrath Architects for Criteria and Bridging Documents for the Police and Fire Public Safety Facility in the amount of $22,500. -- 09.L Report Public Safety Facility and Amendment Mary McGrath 2022-06-07

What can you do? Go on record protesting the wanton demolition of this historic treasure. Our County Courthouse saved its historic front steps and brought ADA access in from two sides. We can too.

Register your objection either in person at the council meeting, or call in under public comments, AND send your email to

[email protected] re June 7 Item 9.L.

protesting demolition of the 1923 brick school without saving the historic front fascade in place.

01/27/2015

Waiting for the release/report of the city council's 2015 goals. This is what they posted as 2014 short term goal, meaning "Let's do this right away":
• Demolish Old City Hall (retaining identified historic features, where feasible) and begin planning for future uses with public involvement.
(We hear they have made that long sought U-turn!)

01/06/2015

Under new City Manager Jim Lewis, the city has taken a much-appreciated interest in exploring ways to use this historic city asset, as opposed to prior efforts to seek demolition of it. Read the report for the Jan 6, 2015 City Council Agenda. http://pismobeach.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=6&event_id=117&meta_id=60170

01/16/2014

New approach at the city?

03/28/2013

Dan Mosier, brick historian, website on the history of brick making in California.

California bricks and their history.

03/24/2013

1952 - Last 8th grade graduating class at Pizmo Grammar School.
Let's try to save the old school. Your help is needed. Like the page to get updates. Thanks. Like our page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Pizmo-Grammar-School-Pismo-Beach/580122358679361?ref=hl

03/23/2013

Frances Judkins, Principal, and her 1946 staff, in front of Pizmo Grammar School. This is where Mrs. Judkins spent most of her illustrious career. Please share the page and help all who want save the old school get to this page to Like it.

03/23/2013

This photo shows the expanded campus of Pizmo Grammar School. Brick School and several wooden classrooms. Baseball diamond in foreground.

03/22/2013

The city resolved Nov 11, 2011, to demolish the building. There is still hope, but it will take LOTS of public outcry -- as well as a well reasoned solution.

03/22/2013

2011

03/22/2013

Pizmo Grammar School Lamp of Knowledge over the door.