The L.A. Derby Dolls says its future events are in danger of being canceled until it can raise the money needed to bring its “Dolloseum” venue in Los Angeles up to code.
A GoFundMe campaign started by the roller derby league says "Over the last year and a half the Derby Dolls have been working with the City of Los Angeles in order to get a change of use/variance permit filed and approved for our facility, The Dollosseum. In the wake of the 'Ghost Ship' tragedy, the L.A. Derby Dolls are no longer able to obtain temporary special event permits from the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety."
Recent bouts have been cancelled as the result of a new policy. Under the new rules the department is withholding all temporary special events permits from warehouses. The Dolloseum is considered a warehouse. The Dolls can still practice at their El Sereno facility, but they can't hold paid events, which for a non-profit is a death knell.
The GoFundMe page launched hopes to raise enough cash to help pay for various costs including permits from the city of Los Angeles. The nonprofit is aiming to raise $27,300 to pay for a city filing and design fee and an additional $16,805 to cover their January expenses.
Founded in 2003, the Derby Dolls are a volunteer-run roller derby league with 150 members.