Longtime peace and anti-nuclear activist Jerry Rubin, 68, chains himself to the chain link fence that surrounds the monumental 26-foot-tall public sculpture by 3-time Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Paul Conrad entitled, ‘Chain Reaction’ (1991) during a press conference  announcing the beginning of his 10-week "Save the Chain Reaction" liquid-only fast on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The press conference  was held on the day before what would have been Paul Conrad's 88th birthday.  The chaining is meant to symbolize the community commitment to saving the iconic sculpture, which may be removed because of its structural integrity.

Rubin will continue his fast through Tuesday, September 4, the 2nd anniversary of Paul Conrad's passing. Mr. Conrad died September 4, 2010 of natural causes at his home in
Rancho Palos Verdes with his family by his side.

Rubin has been a peace, environmental, and anti-nuclear activist for more than 30 years. He is no relation to the late 1960's  peace activist of the same name.

The Conrad family and the community are currently seeking donations to help save, restore and strengthen "Chain Reaction." People can visit the family website for details: ConradProjects.com

The City Council has given Conrad's family and the community until November 15 as a deadline to raise the needed funding.

The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission unanimously voted at their May 14 meeting to nominate "Chain Reaction" to be considered for City landmark status.        

Paul Conrad inscribed at the base of "Chain Reaction:" This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph."

Chain Reaction was a gift to the city, approved by City Council in 1991 after extensive public process and debate. The work was funded by a private donation to the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.