Save the Catalyst from demolition

Recent signers:
Emily Robles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

For decades, The Catalyst in Santa Cruz has served as more than just a venue; it's a cultural hub where Santa Cruzians, locals, students, and community members come together to celebrate music, art, and culture. As a space that holds countless memories and serves as a beacon of creativity and community spirit, it deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

However, The Catalyst now faces the threat of demolition, which would erase an integral part of Santa Cruz’s cultural heritage and community life. The loss of this venue would mean the loss of a space that has hosted a diverse range of artists, fostered local talent, and brought people together from all walks of life. It's more than just bricks and mortar; it's a living, breathing part of our community's soul.

We are calling on the city to take immediate action to prevent the demolition of The Catalyst by designating it as a historical preservation cultural landmark. This designation will not only protect the building but also honor its significant role in our community's history and cultural landscape.

Santa Cruz has long been a place that values its unique cultural identity. By saving The Catalyst, we can ensure that this identity continues to flourish. We encourage city officials to recognize the importance of this venue and take the necessary steps to preserve it.

Sign this petition to urge the city to act now and preserve our cherished community space for future generations. Together, we can save The Catalyst and safeguard the heart of Santa Cruz's vibrant cultural scene.

10,923

Recent signers:
Emily Robles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

For decades, The Catalyst in Santa Cruz has served as more than just a venue; it's a cultural hub where Santa Cruzians, locals, students, and community members come together to celebrate music, art, and culture. As a space that holds countless memories and serves as a beacon of creativity and community spirit, it deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

However, The Catalyst now faces the threat of demolition, which would erase an integral part of Santa Cruz’s cultural heritage and community life. The loss of this venue would mean the loss of a space that has hosted a diverse range of artists, fostered local talent, and brought people together from all walks of life. It's more than just bricks and mortar; it's a living, breathing part of our community's soul.

We are calling on the city to take immediate action to prevent the demolition of The Catalyst by designating it as a historical preservation cultural landmark. This designation will not only protect the building but also honor its significant role in our community's history and cultural landscape.

Santa Cruz has long been a place that values its unique cultural identity. By saving The Catalyst, we can ensure that this identity continues to flourish. We encourage city officials to recognize the importance of this venue and take the necessary steps to preserve it.

Sign this petition to urge the city to act now and preserve our cherished community space for future generations. Together, we can save The Catalyst and safeguard the heart of Santa Cruz's vibrant cultural scene.
Support now

10,923


The Decision Makers

Fred Keeley
Santa Cruz City Mayor
Responded
The City of Santa Cruz recognizes the important role The Catalyst has played in our music and cultural scene, and we understand why there is strong public interest in its future. It is important to clarify the City’s role. The City is not involved in negotiations between the developer and The Catalyst, and the City cannot require that a private business remain in a specific location or be included in a future development. These decisions are governed largely by private negotiations, not City Council discretion. Some have asked whether a historic designation could stop the proposed project. Under California law, it would not. Historic designation does not automatically prevent demolition, and in this case would not change the City’s authority over the proposal due to the project’s status under state law. The Catalyst as a business is a cultural institution, but the building itself, is aging and in poor condition, as acknowledged by the venue’s management. The City’s Economic Development team is in communication with The Catalyst to explore ways to support the business and help it continue operating. The proposed project does show The Catalyst as a potential future tenant, should the developer and business reach agreement. More information and updates are available at www.santacruzca.gov/1009pacific
Santa Cruz City Council
6 Members
Renee Golder
Santa Cruz City Council - District 6
Scott Newsome
Santa Cruz City Council - District 4
Gabriela Trigueiro
Santa Cruz City Council - District 1

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Petition created on December 16, 2025