April 4, 2024

What the City Council Decided on March 26

The City Council neither approved nor denied the Ambassador project in March 2024. It asked for more study. What that meant, and why we saw a speed bump.

On March 26, 2024, the Lake Elsinore City Council heard our appeal on the Ambassador. The Council neither approved nor denied the project. It overturned the earlier determination that the project was exempt from CEQA, California’s environmental review law, and directed us to work with City staff on the concerns Council members raised, complete additional studies, and bring the project back for another hearing.

That wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for. It also wasn’t a no, so we chose to treat it as a speed bump and a delay, and to make sure we understood what the City was asking of us before deciding how to move forward.

What we heard in the room

We understand this project is a big deal. The Ambassador is a prominent building in the heart of our city, and we have a big vision for it. Many people came out in favor and many came out with concerns, and we take every question and concern seriously. Our goal is a project that is a win for local businesses, residents, and our local government alike.

Anyone who watched the hearing noticed the tension in the room. Some of our city leaders voiced concerns about Dream Center in general, not only about this project, and we were sad and surprised to hear that we are not always seen as a good partner to the city. We have missed some steps, and we are committed to repairing those relationships as far as it depends on us.

When we talk about what Dream Center is doing in Lake Elsinore, we are never trying to slight our City Council members or City staff. We see how hard they work and how tirelessly they advocate for this city. If you serve on the Council or work for the City and you’re reading this, we appreciate you, and we want to be good partners in the vision you’re working toward.

How to pray

Pray for our leadership team and our board of directors as we seek godly counsel, fast, and pray about the right next steps. We may plan our steps, but it is the Lord’s counsel that stands, and we want His direction and timing.

To everyone who came out on the 26th to pray and to speak: thank you. Your courage encouraged us more than you know. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Everything else going on

The Ambassador is near and dear to our hearts, and it is one part of what Dream Center does in this city. A week before the hearing, 14 local churches came together for the Easter Festival downtown, and families showed up in the rain with umbrellas and ponchos. Adopt-A-Block has been out finding and filling needs in historic downtown every Saturday for almost ten years. The Dream Center Pantry, formerly HOPE, carries on a 34-year legacy of meeting the physical needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Raising Highly Capable Kids is training parents and strengthening families with the help of local pastors. And La Taza Community Coffeehouse was in its final stretch of preparations, about a month from opening.

We’ll keep you updated on the Ambassador as God directs us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

News & Updates

Aubrey Masters smiling at a podcast microphone in front of a wood-plank wall

The Whole Story of the Ambassador Project

Aubrey and Brett Masters on why we bought the Ambassador, what we have done since, how the permit process changed, and what we are asking for now.

Brett Masters recording a video in front of the Ambassador Hotel's boarded windows

A Remarkable Development: The Court of Appeal Halts Demolition

The Court of Appeal granted our emergency writ, halting demolition at the Ambassador. What it means, what it doesn’t, and what to pray for now.

Brett Masters recording a video beside the Ambassador Hotel's boarded side wall

An Urgent Update: Demolition Work Begins at the Ambassador

Demolition work began at the Ambassador while our appeal was being filed. What happened, what we asked the court for, and how to pray.

Brett Masters in glasses, smiling during an interview

Spark the Dream: How Dream Center Lake Elsinore Began

It started with a prayer on the drive to preschool, past a boarded-up hotel on Main Street. The story of how Dream Center Lake Elsinore began.

Brett Masters smiling in his office, with a small framed picture of the Ambassador Hotel on the shelf behind him

God’s Faithfulness Never Ends: A Summer 2024 Update

Where the Ambassador stood after the spring hearings, plus a summer of Back to School Bash, La Taza’s opening, DC Athletics, and the pantry.

The background

About the Ambassador

Dream Center Lake Elsinore has served this city since 2014, restoring and rebuilding the people and property of Lake Elsinore. The Ambassador Hotel, boarded up at Main and Prospect since 1992, is being restored into a training center where people rebuild their lives — with a 50’s diner, shared spaces, guided tours, and a front door open to the community.

See the whole story

Historical black-and-white photo of the original brick building at Main and Prospect, with a domed corner tower, a "Rooms" sign over the corner bay, and "Bank" lettered on a window.

Get involved

Ways to Help

Stay Connected

We’ll send updates as this unfolds: what’s happening with the building, what’s happening with the work, and the occasional thing you can do about it.

Volunteer

There’s a place for you here, whatever you’re good at. People pack food boxes, walk blocks, run sound, teach kids, swing hammers, pray with strangers.

Find your place here

Speak Up for the Ambassador

The most useful thing you can do is put your support in writing, where it becomes part of the public record.

How to write in support