Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) announces the inclusion of $2.5 million in funding from the California state budget proposal of 2018-19. These funds are to be used for the restoration of the historic Fox Theatre in Fullerton.
“Since I went to see matinees there as a child, I have always been a fan, and supporter, of the Fox Theatre,” said Quirk-Silva. “It is with pride, and respect, for the history and people of Fullerton, that I worked to provide support for the efforts of so many people devoted to restoring an important landmark. Families will soon have a place to be entertained and spend quality time together inside a part of Orange County history.”
“We are excited for the Fullerton community to have the governor joining with Quirk-Silva to provide vital funds to restore and re-open this important part of Fullerton’s history,” said Leland Wilson, President of the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation. “This money will go a long way in moving the project to a place where, very soon, the public will enjoy it more often.”
In October, Quirk-Silva hosted California Governor Jerry Brown in Fullerton, where they went on a private tour of the Fox Fullerton Theatre. Quirk-Silva and Brown also met with local officials and members of The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation to discuss the progress of the renovations already under way.
“The Fox Theater is an important part of Fullerton’s history and its preservation. The support of Assemblymember Quirk-Silva and many others will help ensure it’s enjoyed well into the future,” said Brown in October.
The Fox Fullerton Theatre was built by C. Stanley Chapman in 1925 for vaudeville and silent movie performances and was soon acquired by Fox Movie Studios and renamed the Fox Theatre. It closed in 1987 and was slated for demolition in 2004, until it was saved by the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation. In 1990, the City of Fullerton declared it Historic Landmark Number 35, and in 2006 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
