‘Outsiders’ Blamed for Center’s Woes

* It is no wonder that there are problems at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center.

Since the day that the plaza started to take shape, people who were not part of this community came to Thousand Oaks for a piece of the action. They included the executive director of the theaters and many members of both the Board of Governors and the Alliance for the Arts. Consequently, many of the supporters that spent many years to make this project a reality have been shoved aside.

It appears that the “outsiders” have decided that these supporters were not of the caliber and quality needed to support this center. A prime example of this type of thinking is the destruction of the Conejo Symphony Orchestra.

Whereas this example may not be the only reason there is trouble, it certainly has not helped. The self-proclaimed “Gang of Eight” that was responsible for the loss of our orchestra is also some of the same people sitting on every board and committee. Isn’t that interesting? Alienating the people that were responsible for seeing this dream become a reality is irresponsible, if not just plain stupid.

Attaching City Hall to what is now being called a “regional performing arts center” does not relieve the city of Thousand Oaks of the financial responsibility of operations. Until some housecleaning is done and this center is given back to this community, I will support the arts somewhere else. I am sure that I reflect the opinions of many others.

BILL BENSON

Moorpark