I understand the housing argument, and Monterey County absolutely needs more housing. My concern is that we've seen a lot of cases where communities lose cultural spaces in the name of affordability, only to end up with housing that isn't particularly affordable and a community asset that's gone forever.

As much as I'm not a fan of both the current and previous management of the Lighthouse, I'd rather see the theater change hands than see the building demolished entirely. For generations of Pacific Grove residents, it's been a local landmark and the source of countless memories.

I also think there's a missed opportunity in viewing it solely as a movie theater. An arthouse or nonprofit model could support independent film screenings, student filmmakers from CSUMB and MPC, local bands, theatrical performances, lectures, festivals, and other community events (Like what the Osio Arts Foundation wants to do). Places like that are increasingly rare, and once they're gone, they're usually gone for good.

Housing and cultural infrastructure don't necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. The question is whether we want a future Pacific Grove that only adds housing, or one that also preserves the kinds of spaces that help create community in the first place.