HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-2016 ARC-CHC Correspondence - Item 1 (Carotenuti)September 15, 2016
Members of the Architectural Review Commission and Cultural Heritage Committee:
In June and July 2010, I wrote two installments for Journal Plus magazine about the history of
Sunny Acres Children’s Home and its evolution into a juvenile detention center followed by its
sad and unnecessary decline. I even braved the dangerous interior with its gaping holes,
creaking floor boards and its disgusting and graphic graffiti. I most recall a sense of
overwhelming sadness as if a great masterpiece had been mutilated. As with any great painting,
there is what is seen and what is felt. I could almost hear the anguish, tears as well as joy from
the building’s former tenants. In recent years, there have been valiant attempts by involved
community members to restore and re-purpose the building on its spectacular perch. However,
official bureaucracy provided little support as, by then, the vandals and county neglect required
substantial budget expenditures.
I wrote then:
“For some, Sunny Acres is an old, useless and abandoned eyesore. As
with the ending of any life, the universe diminishes. Its demise would
insure a lesser future for everyone.”
Indeed, even after I provided the narrative for a video production, my best hope was this gem
would keep struggling until somehow it survived for possible rescue by future generations.
On hindsight, my concluding paragraph for the third installment (January 2011) was a portent for
the present as I wrote:
“Heroism has many definitions, but the most enduring – and endearing
– are acts of kindness to those in need.”
At the time, I was referring to those who suffered at the thought of abandoned and neglected
children but did more than anguish at their plight. Sunny Acres was born from compassion. As
such, it is unique among most any existing structure. I had no idea that another group with the
same sense of morality and justice would attempt to rescue the desperate structure.
Not chartered to focus on bricks and mortar but other desperate human beings, Transitions
Mental Health has ventured this time to the rescue for both a building and its future occupants.
While bureaucracies are ever-ready to ask “Why?” TMH courageously answered “Why not?”
The result is its own heroic saga of seeking enormous amounts of money, time and talent. Now,
it is time for the community through its citizens represented by the Cultural Heritage Committee
and Architectural Review Board to affirm their valiant efforts.
Above the minutia required by the seemingly endless volumes of codes, permits, variances and
“policies,” the basic fact is Sunny Acres – both the building and its motives – has a chance to
add a new chapter characterizing the best of human endeavors for one another. The reverse is
amply advertised daily in the media but kindness rarely makes for a banner headline.
Meeting: ARC-CHC 09-19-16
Item: 1
Certainly, a grand public building in a community park would be a civic opportunity, but in the 35
years since its closure, Sunny Acres has neither inspired official vision nor resources to
preserve this unique spot in the local landscape. At best, the vision will blanket the acreage with
more residences but, today, TMH is attempting to insure continued historical integrity for some
of the property.
I can only encourage you all as community representatives to hear the echo from and
remember those generous souls in 1934 whose efforts resulted in Sunny Acres and the rescue
of thousands of young people from a less caring society.
Today’s valiant efforts are really an extension of those made over 80 years ago.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Carotenuti
San Luis Obispo
(805) 545-0628
Attachments:
Journal Plus Articles on Sunny Acres, Parts 1-3