Frequently Asked Questions

That will never happen.  They can't tear down the Derby?  Can they?

It's a done deal, there is nothing we can do.  Right?

I love the Derby.  My mother, brother, aunt, grandma, grandpa love it too.  They went to the Derby years ago.   Can I share my stories with you?

Who owns the Derby? 

Have you thought about making the Derby a landmark?  I thought it was a landmark?  What! You mean it isn't yet on the City Register?

I believe in personal property rights.   If the new owners bought the land fair and square they can do whatever they want.   Isn't that so?  Besides, isn't saving the Derby unconstitutional?

That will never happen.  They can't tear down the Derby?  Can they?

(answer coming soon ...)

It's a done deal, there is nothing we can do.  Right? 

(answer coming soon ...)

I love the Derby.  My mother, brother, aunt, cousin, grandma, grandpa etc. love it too.  They went to the Derby years ago.   Can I share my stories with you?

Yes!  We would love to hear your stories.   Just send us an email.  It would be really great if we could hear from some older folks who remember the place when it was the Brown Derby (1940-1960).  There must be someone out there from back then!

Who owns the Derby? 

This is an excellent question and truly a FAQ.  To understand what's going on, it's helpful distinguish between the property/landlords on the one hand and the business/leaseholders on the other.   In June 2004, Adler Realty purchased five adjoining lots on the southwest corner of Los Feliz and Hillhurst.  The historic building at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd (which currently houses the Derby nightclub and Louise's Trattoria) sits on the cornermost lot ( Parcel 7 of the Avocado Tract).  The other four lots (Parcels 8, 22, 23 and 24 of the Avocado Tract) comprise the parking area.  Adler owns all five lots and the building.   There are three businesses on the property, each with its own separate lease.  The Derby nightclub has one lease, Louise's has another and the parking business has a third.  It's a landlord-tenant arrangement.   A possible source of confusion may have been the fact that more than one change has occurred.  The "landlord" changed when Adler bought the property in 2004.  More recently, the "tenant" changed when the Derby nightclub business changed hands from the Gower(s) to its current owner.

Have you thought about making the Derby a landmark?  I thought it was a landmark?  What! You mean it isn't yet on the city register?

The Derby is certainly a landmark in our hearts but it does not have the status and protection of an official Historic and Cultural Monument with the City of L.A. - - yet!   With the help of the Los Angeles Conservancy, we support having the building formally declared a Landmark by the City Council and would love to have it registered on the list of City Monuments.   If you would like more information, we have a whole "Landmark Status" page devoted to this topic.  

I believe in personal property rights.   If the new owners  bought the land fair and square they can do whatever they want.   Isn't that so?  Besides, isn't saving the Derby unconstitutional?

(answer coming soon ...)

I would like to sign your petition or write to decision makers but I don't live in the area, is that ok?

Adler's proposed development of the corner of Los Feliz & Hillhurst is a political issue.  Land use matters like this, which involve the proposed demolition of a historic site, changes in zoning and other "entitlements," are ultimately decided by elected officials based on community input.  

Petitions and letters are very effective democratic tools because they tell decision makers like Councilman Tom LaBonge what people think.   Like all politicians, the Councilman is sensitive to to the opinions of the residents in his area (District 4) because they can vote for him.  Not surprisingly, special political clout goes to "stakeholders" who live near the Derby (zip code 90027) or at least in District 4 (for a map of the 4th District click here).

But - the world famous Derby is treasure of broad importance to the City of Los Angeles and beyond.  It's important to let key decision makers know that people from all over are following this issue and care what happens.  So, don't worry about where you live, feel free to show your support.   

Your website links to an "online petition."  I signed a "hard copy" paper version of the petition.  Is it the same thing?   

The online petition and the paper petition say the same thing.  The online version is more convenient and you can easily forward it to friends over the internet.  In some situations, the paper versions are considered more "authentic" or reliable.   In this case, we feel confident that either one will be fine - - just so long as we have lots of people sign and show their support! 

Why don't you contact celebrities to help?

There is nothing like fame, except fame promoting a good cause!  Yes, we would love to have celebrity support.  Many local bands including the Royal Crown Revue (a band that got their start playing a regular weekly gig at the Derby) have already rallied behind us and will continue to do so.  But -  we could always use more star power!   There are even some obvious choices like Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Heather Graham and the team from the hit film Swingers which prominently featured the Derby.  And what about all those famous folks up in the Los Feliz hills ... you know who we mean!  This is a local issue, this is their neighborhood too.   Are you a celebrity that wants to make a difference?  Do you know a celebrity that would like to get involved?  Help us connect this famous building with some famous people.  It's a relationship driven town - make a phone call and help Save the Derby!

Have you thought about doing a fundraiser or collecting donations?

Absolutely!   Back in April of 2002, in honor of the contribution the Derby has made to the Los Feliz neighborhood, Councilman LaBonge proclaimed it Derby Day in the City of Los Angeles.  We plan to recreate Derby Day with a big fundraiser this April complete with music, dancing and, of course, an open invitation to Councilman Labonge to join us.   We're puttin' on a show!  

Would you like to get involved?  We'd love to have you!

(For more information about the City proclamation, the original Derby Day and LaBonge's support, click here)

Have you thought about forming a "non-profit"?

Yes, this is in the works.

I saw some people wearing Save the Derby T-shirts?  Where can I buy one?  Have you thought about selling these T-shirts (and other items) online?

Yes, we have wondeful Save the Derby T-shirts available for purchase.   Only $10!  What better way to spread the word?

We have them with us and available for purchase most Sunday and Wednesday nights at the Derby.

Or, you can just write an email to info@savethederby.org and say you would like to buy a T-shirt.  We'll help get one to you.

As you can see from this website, we are growing and expanding.  Pretty soon, we hope to be set up with paypal so that you can order online and will ship your shirt out to you.

Even better, we are working to get tax exempt status so that when you buy your T-shirt, at least part of the cost will be tax deductible for you as a charitable contribution.

Save the Derby!  Buy a T-shirt!

I have a great idea for saving the Derby, who should I tell?    

The Save the Derby Coalition!  We'd love to hear from you.  Just send us an email.

I have pictures of the Derby.  Will you post them on your website?

We are always on the look out for great photos of the Derby, especially historic photos.  Does anyone have a photo of the building when it was Michael's?  Or how about some  photos from the early 90's when the Derby nightclub first opened?  Or famous acts playing at the club?  Just send 'em to us by  email and we'll put 'em up!

(On that note, we are most grateful to Marc Wanamaker and the Bison Archives,  Hollywood Heritage, Bruce Torrence, Greg Iriart, Chris Nichols, Tommy Drangcil and others who have provided historic images.   A big thanks also to Jim Knell and others who took great photos at the RCR show and, of course, Larry Underhill, who has taken some beautiful pictures of the building as it stands today)

I would like to help, what can I do?

There are many things you can do to help: 

1/   Be sure to sign our Online Petition to Save the Derby.
2/   Write to Key Decision makers, especially Councilman Tom LaBonge
3/   Attend Meetings
4/   Join our Email List for news and updates

Make a difference.  Get involved!  We have a committee especially for local residents.  Plus, we are planning a fundraiser for the spring, and we can always use help spreading the word.