Last Friday, Sept. 11, I rode my bike to Culver City High School to check out the Natatorium.
Had no clue to where it was located.
As Mr. Jerry Chabola, the Athletic Director, was walking through the office, I asked him if it were possible to see the Natatorium?.
He did not have keys. We conversed for about five minutes.
This is the second time I have had an opportunity to talk with him.
He is a guy with a wealth of information.
Ms. Jo Nellia Guinn, Principal’s Secretary, told me that the evening custodian would be the guy to see, but he would not be in until around 3:30.
When I returned, I found him.
He said he did not have keys. He directed me to the maintenance operation about 3 to 4 blocks away.
Off I go on my bike, helmet and all, waving to several friends of my son as I go by.
There I met Mr. Mike Korgan, Director. I introduced myself as a School Board candidate and asked him if it would it be possible to see the Natatorium.
He replied that it really is nothing to see. It’s just used for storage.
Told me to check back Monday after 10 a.m. Called him on Monday and was told that I would have to schedule through Supt. Dr. Myrna Cote’s office.
Walked over to the School District office and sat down with Rebecca Williams, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent.
I told her my request. She got up and talked to Dr. Cote who was scrambling to go to a meeting.
When Ms. Williams returned, she said that she would have to notify the other candidates that the Natatorium would be available.
Okay then. Trying to find a loophole. How about as a citizen? Wanted to see the place today, had been trying since Friday.
She informed me that she wasn’t interested in game-playing or getting involved with politics. These were the conditions: She had to notify all candidates to give them the opportunity.
She wasn’t upset yet, but I did not push my luck.
Yes, finally I met my soulmate. First, I apologized. Little did she know that I had been trying to get to see the place since Friday.
I thought all you had to do was show up, grab a set of keys, in and out in10 minutes, gone.
She asked me my availability. Today it still is like 10:30 a.m. or tomorrow.
I’m open.
Receive a call (left voicemail) about 9 a.m. Is 3 p.m. the following day okay? Could not pick up call right then in the middle of my son‘s 2nd grade class collecting homework.
Arrived at Natatorium about 10 until 3.
Shortly after, Mr. “Z” arrived with his associate, a CCUSD music teacher, whose classroom is right across from the Natatorium.
He has been curious about what the inside looked like for years.
Then Mr. Elmont arrived. We shook hands, as he complained about the time of day.
Why are you here? I asked,
“Never been inside.”
I said, so this is how to get you guys out.
Mr. Korgan arrived. Showtime! I have driven past the building probably a hundred times. YMCA plays their games at the Middle School gym.
Parked right in front of it. Saw it, but never noticed it.
We are handed a couple of flashlights, and we proceed.
Entrance: scattered supplies. Used as storage for health clinic material (will never be used again).
Dead pigeon 11:00. Stopped in my tracks. Hey, man, anything going to be running around in there, like rats?
Mr. Elmont says: “Not a great place for open toed shoes.” Now he tells me. Turn right. Quick left. Broken light cover. Another left, flashlights on, watch your steps as I shine the light. Up two steps and turn right.
Holy cow!
Let the light shine in.
Huge space.
Pigeons flying around.
Two swim areas. Looks Olympic sized.
Saw the “potential.”
My son is on swim and water polo teams.
Coach Nestor is always complaining to me that he never gets enough pool time. It’s just not available at The Plunge.
My son is always complaining to me that he is getting too dark.
I’m more concerned about all that sun and cold exposure. Those are the main reasons he stayed at that Y.
Anyway, Mr. “Z” started quizzing Mr. K about particulars, projected cost to repair and potential for income.
Could it be a public pool and charge a fee to offset maintenance?
Mr. K suggested that they could turn this into a test hall, because every time they set up for testing, they would have to set up and remove for 600 seats.
Mr. Elmont seems not too thrilled with the idea of a pool anymore.
How about maintenance of $300K per year.
Open up just to close down.
He also asks Mr. K about structure stability, which is believed to be sound. Someone asked, How do all these pigeons get in here?
There is a hole in one of the screens. How do they get broken? Some kids get up on the low hanging rooftop, get bored and kick them in.
Pigeon droppings cover everything, as far as the eye can see. Nothing is missed.
Must be hundreds of birds at one time or another. What’s in pigeon soup? I stayed in one area.
Saw a few more dead birds. Isn’t there a dead bird flu?
Public health hazard? I heard pigeon poop is highly corrosive.
From the ceiling hang cylinder-like objects.
What are those for? Collecting moisture.
Must be from the 1960s. Old-school style. No, building’s not that old, says Mr. K.
I daydreamed for about 5 minutes. Oh, well, Mr. Chabola has heard all of this before.
Been 17 years, six years with Mr. Elmont on the committee. Anything possible.
Creative financing, anyone?
I have a couple ideas. Want to hear them?
Bet you do?
Let’s put our ideas down on paper. Hey, let’s answer the 20 questions, including remaining Board members.
We want to be fair to them too.
How about the community? Let them try. Just a thought.
Gary Abrams is a candidate for the School Board in the Nov. 3 election, and he may be contacted at gabrams@ca.rr.com
