Overview

The Cerritos City Council is set to discuss the potential replacement of 332 armchairs at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), with an estimated cost of $420,000. The need for new seating arises as the CCPA has faced significant financial losses since its opening in 1993.

These armchairs are crucial for providing an enhanced experience for patrons in the Theater Seating Boxes, with two types of chairs proposed: standard height and tall versions for better visibility. The decision follows a broader strategy to improve ticket sales and overall attendance at the venue.

Key details

  • The proposed cost for replacing the 332 armchairs is $420,000.
  • A total of 206 standard-height armchairs and 126 tall armchairs are needed.
  • The CCPA has incurred losses exceeding $100 million since its inception.
  • Former City Manager Art Gallucci characterized the CCPA's financial situation as part of the cost of doing business.
  • Many residents have expressed opposition to the CCPA's continued operation, suggesting a sale of the venue.
  • The current City Council, under Mayor Bruce Barrows, has never entertained the idea of selling the CCPA.
  • As of November, the CCPA's total ticket sales stood at $4.6 million, against a projected budget of $11 million for 2024-2025.
  • The city has engaged a Tennessee-based company to assist with ticket sales.
  • The original armchairs are custom-designed, wooden, with a curved back and harlequin upholstery.
  • A design consultant was hired to identify a suitable and cost-effective replacement for the premium seats.
  • Yamada Enterprises, based in Huntington Beach, has been selected for City Council consideration for the replacement chairs.
  • The CCPA also maintains 36 additional armchairs for replacements of worn or broken chairs.

Context

The CCPA has been a significant cultural venue in Cerritos, yet its financial sustainability has been a point of contention among residents and city officials. The ongoing discussions about chair replacements highlight the challenges the city faces in balancing operational costs with community expectations.

What happens next

The City Council will review the proposal for replacing the armchairs, and if approved, the city will proceed with the procurement process to acquire the new seating from Yamada Enterprises.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific timeline for the chair replacement and the exact specifications of the new armchairs have not been confirmed.