Erwin Sklar – Crest Theatre in Oceanside
Prior to Erwin Sklar filling the role as Mayor of Oceanside, Sklar and his wife Bertha built the Crest Theatre in Oceanside. An article by Cinema Treasures states that the Crest Theatre of Oceanside was built for Erwin and Bertha Sklar, opening in 1951. The Sklar’s owned the theatre until the mid 1960’s when it was sold to a property developer. [29] Shortly after Bertha Sklar passed away at the age of 86 in 2001, an article was posted in the San Diego Union Tribune of personal interviews with people who knew the Sklars’. Carlsbad developer Doug Avis says that the Sklar’s bring back fond memories of his childhood memories in Oceanside. Avis recalls, “I spent four years as a member of the Crest Theatre Little League Team (1955-1958). Mr. Sklar would host the team periodically for free ‘day at the movies’ at the Crest. He was a very kind man and even paid for us to have a little popcorn.” [30]
29. “Crest Theatre: 102-108 Freeman Street, Oceanside, CA 92054,” Cinema Treasures (2006). http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/9572
30. Tom Morrow, “The story behind the story,” The San Diego Union Tribune (September 26, 2001). http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-story-behind-the-story-2001sep26-story.html