Management

Producer, Pipeline Digital Media - I see a unique opportunity in the Fox for what the restoration will mean to the citizens of California, especially those living in Orange County. Built with detail and craftsmanship that is no longer produced, The Fox is a direct historical link to one of California’s largest exports – entertainment. When it opened the Fox was the entertainment center for all of Orange County. The Fox was the County’s first movie palace, the first theatre to have sound motion pictures, and the first “out of town” stop for the vaudeville circuit and, well into the 1950’s, road show engagements of major motion pictures. A restored Fox will again be a major destination for entertainment in Orange County.

With over 35 years experience in the Civil Engineering and construction fields, I am extremely happy to serve as the Foundation Vice-President and Construction Project Manager as we undertake the mission to restore and revitalize the Fox Complex. Since I was born in Fullerton and grew up in the area I had many opportunities to attend functions at the Fox Theatre not only with my parents and grandparents, but with my wife and our own children as well. My mother, Barbara Anderson, performed on the Fox stage in the 1930’s with her class from the Claire Coutant School of Dancing.

This building is not only a fine example of state-of-the-art 1920’s theatre and architecture, but also a local social icon deserving of perpetuation for the enjoyment of future generations. I am inspired, encouraged and motivated by the number of other volunteers that have shown a like desire in preserving a piece of our heritage. Together we will accomplish our goal of reopening the Fox with updated technical improvements while retaining the historic fabric and spirit of one of the best of Mr. Chapman’s remaining landmarks and his cultural gift to the City he helped to establish.

So much of Orange County’s history has been paved over. Unlike its neighboring cities, Fullerton has taken the lead in preserving and adapting much of its downtown. Downtown Fullerton is experiencing a renaissance with many emerging opportunities and the Fox is part of this resurgence. The center of entertainment and culture may have shifted south in Orange County to newer edifices, but the Fox remains and will materialize again as a center for classic cinema, live performing arts, education programs and community uses.

Real Estate Broker Associate, Prudential California Realty - A 2006 addition to the National Register of Historic Places, this regional treasure was the first movie palace in Orange County and an important "first step" out of Hollywood proper. Architecturally it is significant as the middle sister of the Meyer and Holler's 1920s courtyard theatres (between Sid Grauman’s Egyptian and Chinese Theatres). Artistically, in addition to the building design, the Fox boasts important murals, now categorized by Jeff Greene, President, EverGreene Painting Studios, which would add to Fullerton's significant citywide collection of early 20th century art. Fullerton is choosing to maintain and enhance its historic downtown. The City is in the early stages of this process and the Fox is needed to provide a long-term "WHY" of going downtown.

The Fox Fullerton Theatre has not only held a very special place in my heart but has been a special part of my family for four generations. Not only did I grow up going to the double features every weekend, I also heard my parents talk about how they met in the Fox Fullerton. My dad was sixteen and my Mom was fifteen, and my dad threw popcorn at my Mom to get her attention. They were together for the next fifty years. My Grandfather who recently died at the age of 102, worked on the building when he was in his early 20's. He was still talking about how he made the skylights up until his death. Imagine how proud I was when my sixteen year old daughter came to me when the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation went public and said, "Mom, we need to help Save the Fox. Let's do it together."

Owner, Brian Torres Design - As a Fullerton resident for over 35 years, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving my community as a volunteer with memberships in organizations for the city including currently serving on the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation Board. This has enabled me to pursue my childhood interest in helping preserve, restore and rebuild the Fox Fullerton Theatre. This architectural gem of a building was once a premiere movie palace and I strongly believe the theatre will once again shine as a beacon of esthetic excellence and a badly needed center for entertainment and cultural events for Orange County as well as the Southern California region.