The Lompoc Theatre Project today announced a historic $6 million gift from Santa Barbara philanthropist and arts champion Cheryl Goldberg, the largest private contribution in the organization's history.

Of the total gift, $5 million will directly support the restoration and reopening of the historic Lompoc Theatre. The remaining $1 million will establish The Cheryl Goldberg Santa Barbara Performing Arts Fund, creating a multi-year resource to bring Santa Barbara County based performing arts organizations to Lompoc for annual performances, educational programming, and community engagement.

The Lompoc Theatre's transformation into a regional entertainment hub recently cleared a critical hurdle when the Lompoc Planning Commission voted 3-0 to approve the permits needed to move the project forward. The decision drew applause from the chamber.

On May 13, city Planning Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the space, a building addition, and a partial demolition that’ll support the long-planned project meant to help revitalize Old Town Lompoc.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians recently awarded a $500,000 matching grant to the Lompoc Theatre Project in December, which donors helped to achieve in just five weeks.