The City Council of Santa Paula, California, made a historic decision by jointly acquiring the California Petroleum Museum, located at 1001 E. Main St. Formerly owned by Chevron, the city will buy the property for a nominal price of $1, with souvenirs and other items stored there for $10. The transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, and a due diligence inspection of the premises will be conducted in the next 45 days.
In addition to acquiring the property, the city will receive a $2 million grant if it prepares a comprehensive plan detailing the necessary repairs and associated costs. The plan is reportedly nearing completion. Any grant money that is not used after 24 months will be placed in an endowment fund dedicated to the maintenance, repair and improvement of the building.
The California Oil Museum, located in the historic Union Oil Building that dates back more than a century, has been managed by a small nonprofit organization, the California Oil Museum Foundation, since 1993. However, Due to financial difficulties as a result In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was closed in September 2021.
The decision to acquire the property was motivated by the City Council’s desire to expand grant and fundraising opportunities. Chevron generously offered to donate the property in November 2022, which includes the main building, apron building and parking lot. City Manager Dan Singer expressed his gratitude for this gesture by Chevron.
Looking ahead, the city is exploring possible uses for the acquired property. A committee consisting of Mayor Andy Sobel, Vice Mayor Leslie Cornejo and others worked closely with city staff to identify these possibilities.
FAQ:
1. When is the acquisition of the California Oil Museum expected to be completed?
The acquisition is expected to be completed by December 31.
2. What will the city receive in addition to the museum property?
The city will receive a $2 million grant if it prepares a comprehensive plan for repairs and associated costs.
3. What happens to unused grant money?
Any grant money that is not used after 24 months will be put into an endowment fund for building maintenance, repairs and improvements.
4. What motivated the decision to have the museum?
The decision was motivated by the City Council’s desire to expand grant and fundraising opportunities.
5. Who is working to identify the possible use of the acquired property?
A committee consisting of Mayor Andy Sobel, Vice Mayor Leslie Cornejo and others worked closely with the town staff.
