Willa and David Mamet are presenting a photographic essay of the lives and homes of people in Village Trailer Park, one of two remaining trailer parks in the City of Santa Monica, at Gallery 169, 169 W. Channel Rd. in a special fundraiser on May 19 and 20. A reception for the artists is Saturday, May 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Created in 1950, Village Trailer park has retained all of the character defining features of a postwar trailer park and a beautiful community fabric that has evolved over decades. Quaintly tucked in behind hedges on Santa Monica’s east end, one could drive by this historic cultural treasure hundreds of times, yet never know it was there. With its heritage trees, vintage trailers, and serenity of spirit, it is one of Santa Monica’s last truly ‘Bohemian’ neighborhoods. Those that are healthy, care for those that are less so. Due to very low fixed incomes, nearly all current park residents, most of which are seniors, would not be able to afford relocating the trailers they own anywhere in Los Angeles County. The 3.8 acre parcel with 109 rent controlled trailer pads, is currently zoned for a trailer park and day care center. The current landowner is proposing to move everyone out of the park and develop a few large buildings. If anything other than these two uses is proposed for the site, a zoning change is required. The Santa Monica City Council has 100 percent discretion over whether the proposed zone change is granted. Willa Mamet is an accomplished fine photographer, adept at capturing not only the image, but the spirit of subjects with her art utilizing Leica M cameras and printing everything by hand. Her photography includes portraiture, performance work, and fine art. She will be presenting her images that capture the eclectic nature of the people, vintage road ready architecture of the ’50s and ’60s, and old school Santa Monica lifestyle of the park. David Mamet, playwright, essayist, screenwriter and film director, will offer written reflections about the eclectic and tight-knit community of Village Trailer Park based on personal interviews of residents in the park. Those passionate about protecting the park as an historical landmark and a place for very low income senior citizens to continue living together in community as homeowners may contribute to the Village Trailer Park preservation fund. For more information, visit occupysm.com. Complimentary valet available.
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