Not so, according to members of the Redondo Union High School Alumni Association. Even though a new name has not been officially proposed, some ideas have been circulating, including the Center for Arts and Entertainment.

But the prospect of any change isn't sitting well with the group.

Citing the historical and cultural significance of the facility, the alumni association earlier this week took an official stance opposing any name change.

"People are revved up," said Tom Shortridge, a 1983 graduate of Redondo Union High School and the president of the school's alumni association. "We're talking about two buildings and a grass area. It's not an art complex.

It's an auditorium."

A Facebook page dedicated to the cause has more than 400 members. People have also expressed their opposition to any name change in e-mails, blog sites and online message boards.

"I was floored by the opposition," Shortridge said, who believes the impetus for the change may be a desire to make the structure more marketable.

"We don't know what the motivation is for changing the name," he said. "It's my belief that part of it is status and money."

Little acknowledges that a new name could make the structure more appealing to potential renters. The district regularly rents out the facility to ballet companies and theater groups.

"The auditorium is something that has always been used by the community," Little said. "If it can be enhanced for the community and benefit the district by generating revenue, it would be a win-win situation."

The possible name change is only the beginning. The group is also worried about the condition and location of several items once housed at the auditorium. Among them: a 20-foot-long, wall-hanging metal sculpture and a Veterans memorial plaque listing Redondo Union graduates who have died in American wars since World War I.

Terry Martinez, a 1971 graduate and the school's archivist, said anger has mounted since the group learned the items were removed. There are also concerns the artifacts may be placed in different locations once construction on campus is completed.

"It's really disrespectful to the history of our school," Martinez said.

The items remain in good condition and have been stored under lock and key in a garage on campus, Little said.

Nonetheless, members of the group said they want to be included in all decisions concerning the temporary removal of historical items and their future placement.

"We don't empty out the National Gallery because tastes change," Martinez said Tuesday at a school board meeting. "It's very important to our community that we maintain these cultural touchstones and they're well taken care of."

Acknowledging the group's concern, Superintendent Steven Keller made calls to members of the alumni group Wednesday, inviting them to discuss their concerns with district officials.

"We want to be inclusive in our conversation," he said, adding he felt a possible name change could be appropriate for the auditorium.

"We want to create a performing arts hub for our school and our community," he said. "It has grown from an auditorium into something more."