Wilkinson proposed a dedication and open house for the community in order to “Introduce the improvements to the facility and show the citizens the potential this meeting room has as a beautiful location for occasions of all kinds. It is anticipated this facility will produce additional needed revenue to the city and as such, we would like the opportunity to showcase its attributes.”Volunteers have already been lined up to BBQ and serve food, Fillmore & Western will bring a train in for the event as well as supply “serving dishes, hors d’oeuvres and history lessons regarding early train travel.”Wilkinson told the council he hopes the dedication will be a “very nice event to show you a very attractive and useful facility.”The City Council approved - minus Vice Mayor Don Johnson, who stepped down due to a conflict of interest - the Jan. 7th dedication-celebration, which will start at 3 p.m.
Depot rehabilitation dedication-celebration planned for Jan. 7th
November 25, 2000
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesIt has taken close to a year and plenty of grant money but now the city is ready to dedicate the rehabilitated Depot, which will be the scene of a community celebration on Jan. 7, 2001.Public Works Director/City Engineer got City Council approval for the dedication at the Nov. 20th meeting.The nine-month project included seismic upgrading, ADA accessibility and rehabilitation to the meeting area, kitchenette, restrooms and foyer area making the building ready for meetings, special occasions, wedding receptions, anniversary parties and “much more,” noted Wilkinson.The Depot, originally completed in the early part of 1887, has a “Quality of intimacy for the citizens of Santa Paula; generations have grown up with the Depot which now celebrates its 113th birthday,” he added. “Memories have passed down to younger generations, who remember stories of the Depot from their grandparents.”The Depot has been home to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce for decades and until about three years ago housed the Santa Paula Society of the Arts, which moved out to make room for the rehabilitation work - which was delayed - and is now anticipating moving back into the facility, a city landmark.Sponsors of the dedication will be Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and Fillmore & Western Railway.
