By Jason Islas
Lookout Staff

March 14, 2012 -- The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission went to bat for the “Chain Reaction” sculpture Monday night, hoping to buy time for a donor to salvage the iconic work.

Following in the footsteps of the Arts Commission, the commission decided to send one of its members, Roger Genser, to urge the City Council to grant a six-month grace period before Paul Conrad's sculpture is removed from the Civic Center.

The Commission also voted to have a discussion about the possibility of designating the sculpture as a landmark, slated for its April 9 meeting.

“The idea is to allow for more time,” said Genser. “There is very strong support for the sculpture to remain."

Among the staunchest supporters is the Pulitzer-prize-winning catoonist's son, David Conrad, who called the sculpture one of his father's most important works during public testimony Monday. He also advocated for the sculpture to be designated a landmark, though that was not up for discussion Monday.

Genser will ask the council for at least a six-month stay on any decision to remove the sculpture, which has been deemed a danger to public safety, buying supporters time to seek funds needed for rehabilitation.

In February, the Arts Commission advocated the six-month grace period and the idea resonated with the Landmarks Commission.

Still, it remains unclear how much money it would take to bring the sculpture up to a safe standard because the extent of the damage is unknown, according to City staff.

Staff has estimated that making the sculpture safe again could cost between $227,372 and $423,172, and there is no guarantee that the repairs will last.

The City began tests in November on the sculpture, a 26-foot tall mushroom cloud made of chains, when staff members saw it swaying in the wind.

Tests revealed corrosion in the clasps that hold the chain links to the fiberglass frame, among other damage.

Local activist Jerry Rubin founded Save Our Sculpture, a group advocating for the preservation of the sculpture.

"I find it hard to fathom that it couldn't (be saved)," said Rubin back in late January. He has been circulating a petition to save the sculpture.

"If there's a will, there should be a way,” he said.