Local Groups displaced after Casa de la Raza’s Closure
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Alma de Mexico is now practicing at Ortega Park after being displaced from their usual rehearsal space at La Casa de la Raza.
The city of Santa Barbara placed a red "unsafe" tag on the historic building last week, citing gas, electrical, entryway, and signage issues.
“We are trying to get ready for Old Spanish Days. The practice doesn’t stop, we have to keep going,” said instructor Jennifer Sanchez. “I have to provide classes for up to 45 girls. I’m teaching the next generation. Cultural preservation is the most important thing for this community, so I’m a strong advocate for that. Even if the building is closed, we have to keep going.”
Ballet folklórico is not the only class affected by the closure. A popular Zumba class is also expected to move to the park. Local bands that practiced at La Casa are also in need of new rehearsal spaces.
Other events, such as a recent Mother’s Day brunch, have relocated to Café La Fonda, not far from the Federal U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where La Casa de la Raza’s future is now being decided.
“It is very complicated, even within the bankruptcy world,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, Board President of the original La Casa de la Raza founded in the 1970s. “I understand from our counsel that we have many unique situations. The nonprofit, the original La Casa de la Raza, is in an involuntary bankruptcy with an associated case. That case went to mediation, and the result is that the building will be sold and have new ownership.”
The building, constructed in 1917, is considered a local landmark.
“La Casa de la Raza is actually listed in the conditional use permit. It started as a community center, and from what I understand, whoever buys it will have to continue using it as a community center,” said Valencia Sherratt.
The timing of the sale depends on court paperwork.
“We are waiting for a settlement agreement to be issued. Once that’s out, the sale will be open, which actually gives us hope for who might buy it next and where we go from there.”
Sources familiar with the court filings estimate the building could be sold for around $4.3 million, though that amount could change. There is optimism that a buyer aiming to restore it to its former glory might acquire it for less.
Valencia Sherratt also addressed confusion over the use of the La Casa de la Raza name. She said the original group of volunteers is developing a new website under the official La Casa de la Raza name. Meanwhile, the displaced volunteer group has been using the name “La Casa Founders” for its website.
