Stephen Kisor’s letter to the editor, “House woes,” published Aug. 6, should be read by everyone who cares about the Adamson House — the iconic treasure of Malibu’s history. The time has come for the Malibu community to stand up and support the volunteer docents, who have always donated their time and toil to care for this historic property since it opened to the public after the state purchased it from the Adamson family years ago. Back then, it took a group of concerned Malibu residents to band together and save the house from demolition and total destruction by getting it added to the National Register of Historic Places.
As I see it, certain changes will need to be made within the structure of the Malibu Adamson House Foundation (MAHF) for things to get back onto an even keel and once again work in a democratic manner. The recent practice of the MAHF appointing rather than conducting proper elections of new board members must be amended immediately, beginning with a proper nomination and election process of board members by the entire constituency of Foundation Members (those who have paid their minimum $100 annual membership fee), along with some other issues as stated in recent letters written to the state by the Docent Council. This forthcoming newly elected board must then be accountable to all Foundation Members along with State Parks, while making sure that all bylaws are properly maintained and adhered to, along with following the MAHF’s own mission statement as set forth per these bylaws.
Now is the time for the Malibu community to once again rally in support of the Adamson House Volunteer Docents, to steer all parties into a unified, symbiotic direction to see that proper maintenance regulations will be monitored and enforced, thereby ensuring the ultimate perpetuation of this beloved and fragile estate. Please voice your support so that we docents can get back to the business of sharing our treasured house with the public.
Shepard E. Vineburg, ASID
Former Adamson House Docent