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Ojai pledges $125,000 to Matilija Auditorium grant request, contingent on community‑use agreement
Summary
The council approved a $125,000 conditional pledge to Ojai Unified School District to help the district apply for a state Career Technical Education Facilities grant to modernize Matilija Auditorium; the pledge is contingent on a work plan, community‑use terms and the grant being awarded.
The Ojai City Council voted Tuesday to pledge $125,000 to a community fundraising match for a state Career Technical Education Facilities grant to modernize Matilija Auditorium, a nearly 100‑year‑old performing‑arts venue used by district programs and community groups.
Ojai Unified Superintendent Cheryl Knox and Nordhoff staff explained the district could contribute $750,000 of its own funds and that the state grant requires a 1:1 local match. Knox told the council the auditorium serves roughly 500 students a year across pathways and that renovation needs include safety, lighting, projection, sound, and seating work essential to CTE instruction. “We are here today to ask you to be willing to pledge $250,000,” Knox said during the presentation, while the district clarified they could contribute $750,000 and sought city support to strengthen the grant application.
Public commenters representing arts organizations and community foundations urged the city to back the project, saying the auditorium is unique in capacity and attracts regional activity. Community presenters highlighted the auditorium’s long history, its use by schools and local arts groups, and the potential for CTE pathways in theater, lighting and digital media.
Council members debated timing and fiscal prudence, noting the district must submit final pledges by Nov. 20 to complete its grant application. Some members expressed concern about the city committing funds without full budget review. The city attorney indicated pledge language could be conditioned so the city would not be legally bound to pay if the council later lacked resources.
On a 3–2 roll call vote, the council approved a motion to pledge $125,000 on three conditions: (1) a formal agreement with OUSD ensuring community use; (2) receipt of a detailed work plan showing how the pledged funds will be used; and (3) if the state grant is not awarded the city’s pledge will be void. Council members Whitman and Meng voted no; Ruhl, Lang and Gilman voted yes.
What’s next: OUSD will include the pledge in its grant application and, if the state awards matching funds, the parties will negotiate a joint‑use agreement and a schedule for any city payment consistent with the work plan and budget cycles.
Vote: 3–2 to approve a $125,000 contingent pledge to OUSD for Matilija Auditorium modernization.
