City Council Expresses Support For Norris Theater Amidst Lawsuit

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA — The Rolling Hills Estates City Council expressed their support for community members who are fighting a $1 million lawsuit to keep the beloved Norris Theater alive.

At Tuesday's meeting, City Attorney Don Davis said the city council issued a notice of violation to Stolz Management and The Promenade LLC requiring them to maintain a parking agreement that was contracted in 1981.

"I'm very sorry that we are where we are," Mayor Frank Zerunyan said during the meeting. "I think I speak for my colleagues that our disappointment is endless. I hope you understand that we heard you."

Davis said the city would order the Promenade on the Peninsula owners to stop blocking the parking garage for Norris Theater patrons and if Stolz and Promenade LLC does not comply with the city's order, then the city will file civil action.

Stolz claimed that the use of the parking for PVPA's Conservatory, which was created in 2006 and serves as an educational center for young kids in the South Bay, is considered trespassing and a breach of the 1981 contract. Parent Jennifer Clinton said that Stolz's lawsuit would bankrupt the nonprofit theater because they are not equipped to pay such a large amount of money.

"Norris is such a wonderful gem in our community, it has such a warming environment with such amazing people," Claire, a child who performs at Norris said at the meeting. "I'm so blessed to be a part of this amazing theater family and I cannot imagine what I would do if it got taken away from us."

Another parent, Gabriela Ryan, said she and other parents are grateful to have the city's support, but this is only step one in the process to save the Norris theater. Ryan said they believe that Stolz's "aggressive" tactics is in connection to the selling of the mall to make room for potential housing.

Stolz listed the mall for sale in March of 2022, Ryan said. The sale of the property is pending and the city of Rolling Hills Estates marked the Promenade Mall Area and the parking garage as an asset for future housing development.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the actions the City Attorney will take, but that does not change that Stolz Management and Promenade, LLC are using bully tactics, including a $1 million lawsuit," Ryan said. "After tonight, it seems the City is willing to help support us against this out-of-state bully. It will be important to follow this and see if Stolz/Promenade complies with the notice of violation and order, or if the City has to go to court."