I recently returned from a trip to Europe and found myself wondering why, again and again, I find such a wonderful sense of community there that is difficult to seek out here in the United States. I got to thinking about it and realized that their culture is thousands of years old and has evolved from a village model to progressively larger structures for habitation, leading to the major modern cities that exist today.
But what I find remarkable is how they manage to carry their past with them and still keep the village sense of community and friendships even in a large city. I feel this brings a very important element of humanity to life in even the busiest metropolis that manifests in an improvement in the people’s happiness and quality of life.
In the short time I have had the pleasure of visiting the Dume Room on Heathercliff Road, I have experienced a similar sense of community right here in Malibu. In this warm and funky space I’ve found a unique environment of dynamically different, eclectic and very interesting individuals who come together to relax and enjoy each other’s camaraderie. I feel the atmosphere is so unique, that I’m happy to drive 45 minutes from Westwood just to spend an hour or so visiting with the locals.
Now I understand that due to an issue involving their lease, they are facing closure, which strikes me as being highly unfair to not only a loyal tenant, but a one-of-a-kind institution. If the Dume Room closes, the magic of this camaraderie will not be recaptured by just another Olive Garden or TGIF.
I would urge you and the community to do whatever you can to preserve this landmark and valuable center of community and live music. Once it’s gone, it will be not be replaceable.
James Stemple