The facility was outgrown by the region 's rapidly expanding population , and the Archdiocese decided that it needed a larger main facility ; however , preservationists pressured them not to destroy the historic landmark . The situation was complicated further when the 1994 Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to the cathedral and its 1,200-seat sanctuary . Deciding that the damage was not worth repairing in such a small structure , the Archdiocese began demolition on the site in 1996 , without permits . However , the sudden dismantling of the bell tower on a Saturday morning prompted a frantic save-the-cathedral campaign , and work by the Archdiocese was halted by preservationists who had a temporary restraining order placed on demolition . The Archdiocese argued that it had the right to level its own facility ; preservationists and the city wanted the church to be preserved . The structure was listed on the country 's " 11 Most Endangered Places " by the National Trust for Historic Preservation . A state Court of Appeal rejected the archdiocese 's argument to be allowed to quickly demolish the cathedral ; then-City Councilwoman Rita Walters had moved to strip the cathedral of its historic monument status , an action that would exempt the archdiocese from having to prepare the full environmental impact study normally required for destruction of a city landmark
1994 Northridge earthquake
1994 Northridge earthquake
Cathedral of Saint Vibiana