Received by the Coalition on July 11, 2006:

This is the letter I mailed (and emailed) to Mayor Villaraigosa and Gary de la Rosa. I hope it is some small help.

Jim Lummis

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Dear Sir,

The controversy continues regarding the fate of the Southwest Museum and its artifacts, with the Autry Museum on one side, and concerned local community groups on the other. I suspect that members from both sides of the dispute, being conscientious individuals, have paused to ask themselves "What would Charles Lummis want?"

From my point of view, that is a key question. I can say with confidence that when my grandfather, Charles F. Lummis, founded the Southwest Museum, it was his intention that it be used as the permanent location for exhibition of his extensive collection. It would have been his wishes that the building would continue be used as a museum. I also suspect that with his seemingly limitless energy and strength of personality, he would have found a way to rally the resources to make this happen.

Whatever the outcome, it is important that the building itself be an active and vital part of the community. Charles Lummis turned his own home, El Alisal, into a vibrant center for the arts, and some of the most talented individuals of the day passed through its doors. In a neighborhood that already has great historical significance to the Los Angeles area, the Southwest Museum could and should become the focal point for arts and activities related to Western culture.

The concerns of those that live in the neighborhood should be our greatest priority. I am optimistic that we can meet the needs of the local community, and at the same time turn the Southwest Museum into a showpiece that everyone will be proud of.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Lummis