I have been following the Studio Saga for more than a year… reading about the Marin Grady Ranch Studio for Lucasfilm, watching that collapse all the while reading and knowing about Ms. Carpenter’s Vallejo adventures and beyond to find land for a studio.
I posted many comments online that Dixon should be considered for the studio build, how it was perfect for their project. Vallejo, specifically Mare Island was being considered but had many problems including but not limited to industrial clean up, removing old possible historic buildings, up grading old infrastructure. Let us not forget that Mare Island is an Island surrounded by ever rising tide line.
While making my comments, knowing that others in power might be reading my writings I kept punching like a fighter in the ring knowing that I did not have a knock out punch in me but I could just keep making my point, others would realize that I was right about Dixon being the superior site. Feeling so strongly about my convictions about Dixon I even wrote to George Lucas, listing the positive qualities of Dixon and why it was the place for his studio.
The first Dixon site to be considered was the past proposed race track site. I heard through the grape vine that communications were difficult with the owner, so I took it upon myself to contact his daughter Belinda who is his business partner. I got a reply from one of Belinda’s and Frank’s employees saying that “any reasonable offer would be considered” for their property. I forwarded this info to the City and to Ms. Carpenter in hopes of getting the deal off the ground.
In my research I found many comments about Ms. Carpenter and her past proposed projects. I could see many outrageous comments and I thought it best to let the City know what I had found. I knew that all of the comments were unsubstantiated but feeling that I had to protect my town I did what I thought was right.
For a while there was no new news on the project other than reading that other towns were talking about wanting to host it. San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Novato, the list goes on; all wanted the studio built in their back yards.
After a while I grew impatient and asked around about the project only to find that the race track property was not working out, so I mentioned to a council member that the old George’s Orange area was a possibility. That Council member moved on the info and soon Clarissa was back looking at Dixon.
I continue to feel strongly that Dixon is the right place for the Studio. I was able to see with my own eyes what effect Lucasfilm had on the Marin community as well as a union member what earning potential a studio could bring to its workers. It is a fantastic opportunity, one that we can not afford to miss.
I do not know if I played a pivotal role in all of this though I do know that I played some role. I think through the combined efforts of many people this project just might see the light of day. One thing is for certain, many people have the same vision of Dixon hosting this project. Many have hope that we can manage this into a solid and positive force that will help our fine little town rocket into the future.
In closing this Blog I want to highlight one observation that I have made….Dixon appeals because we are a small town not yet corrupted by big city politics and greedy citizens. Knowing this we should deal with them honestly and with integrity, they will reward us. When the day comes that we try to take too great of an advantage they will begin their search again for the new Mayberry.
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Who cares what film studio will be the "anchor"? There are four film studios being invited to consider the eventual "lot" for their new homes. If Lucas, who has had nothing but problems with the Marin county supervisors, decides this venue will work for him, all the better for all of us. The point is the eventual occupants for the project could be more or less than four. Let's get the project in front of the planning commission then we can make our judgements. Otherwise all you are doing is blowing smoke with your conjectures ...
Growth is almost a must to generate the revenue to fund the mandates and basic public services. Whether or not the studio is a good fit for Dixon, I'll need to agree with Mikey, get it before the planning commission and see how things develop.
Let's get this done as soon as possible.
Unlike the horse track (and I know we don't see eye to eye on that), this project will be a good tax base, many new jobs and a very minimal increase public safety problems. If it comes true, it's a win-win-win for our city!