Post #279898 by christiki295 on Sat, Jan 20, 2007 11:30 AM

This is a sample letter, courtesy of the fine folks at http://www.lottaliving.com :

Dear Beverly Hills:

I am writing so my opinions may be considered in the Environmental Impact Report for the proposed mixed use development at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard (The Beverly Hilton Oasis). What a shame that we are going to lose one of Southern California’s greatest examples of Tiki culture, Trader Vic’s!

Trader Vic’s is an important part of our rich recent history and culture. Beverly Hills is a young city and we don’t have 500 year-old structures to tell our story. We must preserve our recent past because it is our only history. We must see the importance of significant places like Trader Vic’s now or we will never have a sense of history even 500 years from now.

The chain is experiencing a resurgence and opening new locations all the time. A new generation is discovering Tiki for the first time and, of course, loving it. It doesn’t make sense that an area like Greater Los Angeles, which probably was instrumental in creating worldwide interest in Polynesian culture in the first place, will be one of the few places without a Trader Vic’s.

I grew up in Southern California and I just can’t imagine driving on Wilshire into Beverly Hills without being welcomed by those wonderful tiki decorations out front. This is a true landmark and I’ve seen less important structures get landmark status. I implore you to rethink this demolition and save Trader Vic’s! I know others feel as I do and I hope they speak out.

PLEASE REVISE BEFORE SENDING.