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Item 5.1 Additional Material posted 11-04-191 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 City of Poway MEMORANDUM ADDITIONAL MATERIAL (Agenda Related Writings/Documents provided to City Council or Staff after distribution of the Agenda Packet for the November 5 , 2019 Council Meeting) DATE: TO: FROM: CONTACT: SUBJECT: November 5, 2019 Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Faviola Medina, CMC, City Clerk ft/\ (858) 668-4535 or F Medina@poway.org Item 5 .1 -Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) Workshop to Discuss Operating Models Attached please find correspondence received on Monday November 4, 2019, after the agenda distribution deadline. Reviewed/Approved By: Assistant City Manager Reviewed By: Alan Fenstermacher City Attorney Approved By: Chris Hazeltine City Manager 2 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:09 PM agendadocs resource Cc: Brenda Sylvia Subj ect: FW: Continuing Community Access to the Poway Center for preforming Arts. City Clerk's office: I will be forwarding to you several messages , recei ved by Councilmembers, relating to the workshop item for the Performing Arts Center. I have already forwarded all to Chris and Wendy and been reading them directly from the Council email inboxes. Here is the first. Carol From: Erik F. Perkins,MD <Erik.Perki ns@sharp.com> Se nt: Monday, November 4, 2019 12:41 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org> Subj e ct: Continuing Community Access to the Poway Center for preforming Arts. Honorable Mayor Vaus, I am writing in regards to continuing community access to the Poway Center for the Preforming Arts ( PCPA) Understanding there are multiple proposed options listed in the Council Agenda Report, I implore you and the council to conside r options that preserve access to the facility to non-profit organizations . My nine year old daughter, Paloma, has participated for years in the Met-2 Musical Theater Program. Met-2 is one of several non-profits that rent access to the PCPA. Programs like this one provide the acting and theater experience to children of all ages in our community. Through participation in these programs, Paloma has developed excellent communication, and presentation skills, along w ith a certain confidence when interacting with others. These opportunities do not exist through our excellent, yet financially strained community elementary schools. It is easy to spot younger children who have had training in theater. They look up and project when they talk to someone ( not mumbling into an electronic device). They speak clearly with a certain confidence . They excel at group presentations. They communicate at higher level. We understand the fiscal concerns, but the value of the PCPA for all of Poway's children, regard less of age, is a clear investment in their future. Please strongly consider proposa ls that allow for continued access to the theater arts to the full Poway Community. Thank you for your time and co nsideration in these matters, 1 3 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 Erik Perkins, MD Proud father of Paloma Perkins 2 4 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:09 PM agendadocsresource Subject: FW: Poway Center for the Performing Arts Workshop to Discuss Operating Models -----Original Message----- From: Kristine Griffin <rjad@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 12:19 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org> Cc: Brenda Sylvia <BSylvia@poway.org>; Belinda Romero <BRomero@poway.org> Subject: Poway Center for the Performing Arts Workshop to Discuss Operating Models To the Poway City Council: This letter is sent to you to formally PROTEST you turning over the use of the PCPA to the PUSD ! ! ! My name is Kristine Griffin and I live in Ramona. I own the Ramona/Julian Academy of Dance and I have been renting the PCPA for 20 years for my end ofthe year Dance Concerts. I rent the facility every last weekend in June (Fri/Sat) and I have a rehearsal on Friday and 2 performances on Saturday. My shows are usually close to selling out for both. I have been in business for 35 years and there is NO facility large enough nor professional enough in Ramona to accomodate our group of dancers. So we were BLESSED when we were able to rent the PCPA and give our dancers the opportunity to perform in a professional environment. We have had a stellar reputation with the facility and they always give us positive reports at the end of our performances. We are already booked for the last weekend in June, 2020. Are you planning to honor this? I would hate to get bumped at the last minute if the school takes over the facility. That would be very unfair. We have been invested in the PCPA for a very long time and have no where else to go. We are more than willing to pay more for the use of the facility if it comes down to that. The facility is awesome, the staff is amazing and we have a wonderful rapore with everyone there. We hope you will reconsider turning over the use of the PCPA to the PUSD -it will displace so many people and events that bring art to the community of Poway. Respectfully yours, Kristine Griffin Director, Ramona/Julian Academy of Dance 760 7891711 1 5 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:09 PM agendadocsresource Subject: FW: Poway Center for Performing Arts From: Erica Gist <erica.gist@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 11:57 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org> Subject: Poway Center for Performing Arts Hello, It is with great plea that I reach out to each and everyone of you and urge you to please vote to maintain the current model for the Poway Center for Performing Arts (PCPA). My daughter is a very shy child and due to major complications during her birth, is also an only child. When we found the Metropolitan Education Theater Network, she truly began to find herself. Please do not take this away from us, it is a community we have grown to love on many levels for many years to come. If you allow for any change that will exile MET2 from being able to rent the PCPA, there will no longer be any theater within our community that is as inclusive, family friendly and affordable. I am begging you to please vote to maintain the current model for the Poway Center for Performing Arts so our entire community can continue to reap the benefits of their community facility, the purpose for which it was built. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Regards, Erica Gist 1 6 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:09 PM agendadocs resource Subject: FW: Poway Performing Arts -----Original Message----- From: Chermaine <chermaine.osuna@warnerusd.net> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 9:32 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org> Subject: Poway Performing Arts Dear Major, I was notified that the Poway Performing Art Center is being taken over by Poway High School and the public will no longer be able to use it for plays, dance recitals, an other performances. My daughter has been involved in the arts since the age of three. She performs at the PAC multiple times per year, this has been a home for her performances for the last ten years. Please reconsider giving the PAC to Poway High school to take over. This facility was built for the public, let's keep it that way!! Sincerely, Chermaine Osuna 1 7 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 1:10 PM agendadocs resource FW: PCPA topic for City Council meeting on 11/5/19 ... From: Ann Hastings <hastings.ann@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 9:31 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org> Subject: PCPA topic for City Council meeting on 11/5/19 ... Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Members, My wife and I have recently been made aware of the current situation regarding the Poway Center for the Performing Arts that is going to be discussed at the City Council meeting on 11/5/19. Our family has been involved in arts and specifically the theater for over 20 years. Throughout those 20 years PCPA has become an integral part of our arts and theatrical experience as it is a fabulous venue. We understand every business has its financial issues and one can only imagine what it takes to run and maintain a venue of that size. However, understanding that there are many options going forward regarding the operation and day to day function of the facility, it is our belief that relinquishing the entire daily operations of the theater to the PUSD is NOT a viable option. We both live in and our children have both grown up in the PUSD school district and this district has neither the funds, the personnel or the knowledge to maintain and operate such a wonderful facility. This theater as we all know is a professional theater which requires the appropriate staff, knowledge and training. PUSD has none of that. Ultimately the loss of a facility of this magnitude would be detrimental not only to the City of Poway and the surrounding communities but the whole of San Diego itself. There are very few theater options in San Diego County that meet what PCPA offers and the closing of the doors would be the end of arts in this area. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectively, Steve and Ann Bourasa 8 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 1:10 PM agendadocsresource FW: Regarding the upcoming agenda issue regarding the Poway Center for the Performing Arts From: Rachel McCrea <rmccrea1996@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 9:18 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org> Subject: Regarding the upcoming agenda issue regarding the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Mayor and Council Members, My name is Rachel McCrea. It has been brought to my attention that there is an upcoming workshop regarding the operating models for the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA). After reading up on the proposed options, I am honestly concerned. From what I have been able to gather, several of the proposed options could result in a significant negative impact on the local arts community in Poway, such as professional performances and arts programming decreasing or even being terminated. In addition to that, community renters could completely lose the ability to rent the PCPA at all. One of those community renters is MET2, and is a company/organization that is very close to my heart. Starting from the age of 5 up until I was 11, I did every show except for one that was performed at the PCPA with MET2. MET2 and the performances I took part in on the PCPA stage were influential in making me the person that I am today. Yes, MET2 does performances in other locations, however the Poway location was the only one that my mom and I could reasonably reach by car when we lived in Mira Mesa, and that was the same situation for several other people. Taking away the ability to use the PCPA would mean that hundreds of people, mostly families, would no longer be able to take part in MET2 productions. I'm not a citizen of Poway, I'm not even a resident of California anymore. I moved to Illinois when I was 11, 2 days after my final performance with MET2 in November of 2007 in their production of Annie. Leaving behind MET2 was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. However, I knew that MET2 and their presence at PCPA was still going to live on and that I could always come back to visit and see a show on the stage that formed my early years. Hearing about these proposed options though, they made my heart sink because of how important this organization is to the people of Poway and the people who are a part of it, even if they have to drive over an hour just to get there. My mom and I were avid and dedicated participants with MET2, and still keep up to date on their actions, and it would break our hearts to see such an important part of our lives lose its place in the Poway performing arts community. MET2 has been an active part of the Poway community for nearly 30 years. It would be a shame to see such an institution no longer be able to bring such wonderful opportunities to children and adults of all ages in this and surrounding communities. It has been 12 years since my last on-stage performance with MET2 and the PCPA, but they are so important to me and still such a huge part of my life that when I heard about this, I knew I had to write in and make my voice heard. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my email and listen to my concerns regarding this. I just want you all to be aware of how important this decision is and how significant the impact could be. Sincerely, Rachel McCrea 1 9 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 1:10 PM agendadocs resource Subject: FW: Poway Performing Arts Center -Ple ase figure out a way t o keep open for the COMMUNITY of POWAY - so important -Thank you . From: Vanessa Springett <vspringett9@cs.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 7:52 AM To : Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; bleaonard@poway.org; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org>; Jessica Schemmel <jschemmel@powayusd.com>; Pattie Wal ker <pattie.wa1ker9@gmail.com>; MET 2 San Diego <met2sandiego@met2.org> Cc: Drew Springett <drewspringett@cs.com> Subject: Poway Performing Arts Center -Please figure out a way to keep open for the COMMUNITY of POWAY -so important - Thank you. Steve Vaus svaus@poway.org Dave Grosch dgrosch@poway.org Caylin Frank cfrank@poway.org Barry Leonard bleonard@poway.org John Mullin jmul lin@poway.org Hello Poway Council - Please note that our daughter has participated in the arts, singing, dancing, and musical theater, since she was young. Our family has loved watching her grow up, gaining independence and confidence thru the arts. She has participated both with PUSD and countless local community arts programs (such as Step by Step dance and MET2), programs that might lose their theater space if proposed/discussed changes take place. Having a beautiful theater in Poway is one of the many things that makes Poway so special. Bringing world wide talent to Poway keeps us interesting and connected to the world. Our family, and extended family, enjoy the many talented mus icians and actors who visit throughout the year. Our parents, who are aging, love not having to drive downtown for art and music and other concerts. Traffic (along with getting older) has diminished their ability to drive down town and/or other areas to fulfill their love of the arts. As Drew and I age, we too, will appreciate the PCPA more and more, not just as a venue for our ch ildren's plays and musicals and choir concerts .... but as a place to stay connected to the arts community at large. As a family who plans to stay in Poway, forever, we truly hope that you do every thing possible to keep the PCPA open to the COMMUNITY of Poway. 1 10 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 Vanessa and Drew Springett 1333 1 Tining Drive POWAY Mortgage Loan Specialist Cell 858-722-5626 Avalon Mortgage Corporation 5060 Shoreham Place, Ste 320 San Diego, CA 92122 Direct Line 858-625-8533 DRE 01192534 NMLS 252171 vspringett9@cs.com *Fo r mortgage related emails, please be sure to cc m y business partner, He id i Dalvie, heidi@avalonmtg.com, as we j ob share. Thank you. Vanessa Springett Mortgage Loan Specialist Cell 858-722-5626 Avalon Mortgage Corporation 5060 Shoreham Place, Ste 320 San Diego, CA 92122 Direct Line 858-625-8533 DRE 01192534 NMLS 252171 v spri ngett9@cs.com *For mortgage related emails, please be sure to cc my business partner, Heidi Dalvie, he idi @a valonmtg.com, as we job share. Thank you. 2 11 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:10 PM agendadocs resource Subject: FW: Option 2B -----Original Message----- From: Jessica Posey <posey002@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 7:52 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org> Subject: Option 2B To whom it may concern, I've grown up in Poway my whole life and have always loved how many extracurricular there were. It wasn't until 6th grade that I found my true passion in life: musical theater. Our town is a small one and as soon as my church stopped funding shows, I thought my passion would die. It wasn't until I found out about a traveling group who goes from city to city to educate kids on theater, historical context, and ways to just really connect with others in your area. This company, MET2, has changed my life for the better. This is a company I plan on raising my children in. If the performing arts center gets handed over to PUSD, local children's theater will, quite literally, be dead in our city. Please do not make the mistake of choosing money over the arts and arts education. Sincerely, Jessica L. Posey 1 12 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 1:11 PM agendadocs resource FW: PUSD taking over the Performing Arts Center -Concern From: shgil@aol.com <shgil@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2019 3:03 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org> Subject: PUSD taking over the Performing Arts Center -Concern Hello, I do not agree with PUSD taking over the Performing Arts Center. First, my daughter has enjoyed being able to use the beautiful theater for years. She has participated in the MET2 program for years. She is unable to access theater classes at her current middle school as a result of "budget cuts". Our children need to access the performing arts and I truly believe that outside programs (paid for and supported by the community) can provide the necessary revenue to maintain and improve the Performing Arts Center. Certainly, a school district has better ways to use their money. It disgusts me as a fellow educator that a district would take over the Performing Arts Center when it clearly needs to put its money elsewhere (i.e. removing mold from classrooms). Sincerely, Sara Gil 1 13 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 1:11 PM agendadocs resource FW: Thoughts on Agenda Item 5.1 "Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) Workshop to Discuss Operating Models" Item 5.1 -PCPA Workshop to Discuss Operating Models.pdf; FY19-21 Agreement FEX.pdf; FY20 Budget Simplified.xlsx From: Michael Rennie <mrennie@powayonstage.org> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 7:02 AM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org> Cc: Chris Hazeltine <CHazeltine@poway.org>; Wendy Kaserman <WKaserman@poway.org>; Belinda Romero <BRomero@poway.org>; Brenda Sylvia <BSylvia@poway.org>; Chaffin, Bill <chaffinb@stifel.com>; dankrall@cox.net; DoJohnson@powayusd.com; emcofrancesco@gmail.com; jerrymink75@aol.com; josh@colossuspainting.com; jtenuto@executiveforums.com; Leah McBride (LMcBride@skylinehomeloans.com) <LMcBride@skylinehomeloans.com>; Michael Rennie <mrennie@powayonstage.org>; rachkmccarthy@gmail.com; Steven M Dematteo (dematteosm@gmail.com) <dematteosm@gmail.com>; wayneh@csconsult.com Subject: Thoughts on Agenda Item 5.1 "Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) Workshop to Discuss Operating Models" Honorable Mayor, Deputy Mayor and esteemed council members, I read with great interest the November 5th Agenda Item 5.1 "Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) Workshop to Discuss Operating Models" (attached). I have been looking forward to this workshop since it was first proposed in June of 2019, and I want to offer any assistance that may be of value. I am particularly interested in hearing more about PUSD's interest in acquiring the PCPA. This creates a new level of opportunities and questions. As such, I am very much in "wait and see" mode until we know more about PUSD's intentions. That said, I would like to respond to some sections of the Workshop Report that pertain to Poway Onstage. Rather than take up time at the November 5th Workshop to address these concerns, I will share them in writing and make myself available to answer your questions. Please let me know if you would like me to address any of these topics at the November 5th meeting. Please note that Poway OnStage had no input to the Council Agenda Report. My Board and I first read the report on Tuesday, October 29th when it was made available to the public. As the report is written, it would be easy to conclude that Poway OnStage has failed to meet a fundraising requirement in recent years. I say this based on the following sections of the Report: Page 5, paragraph 3 • "In fact, the fees paid to the City (by Poway OnStage) in FY 2018 -19 fell short of the City's annual contribution to the Foundation, therefore the City saw no net revenue as a result of the fees paid by the Foundation." • " ... (the PCPAF) has not assisted with the long-term financial sustainability of the PCPA as was originally envisioned when the Foundation was established." Neither of these are, technically, incorrect: the handling fees we collect don't cover our annual subsidy -but they were never intended to. My understanding has always been that these fees cover credit card processing fees, so their reference here seems misleading. Similarly, while it is true that Poway OnStage has not directly assisted in raising funds for the facility, such an expectation hasn't been included in any annual agreement that I have signed dating back to 2003 (and likely back to 1998). The vision of Poway OnStage as a fundraising tool for the City had been longed abandoned by the time I joined the organization in 2003. Poway OnStage staff and Board members have responded to Community Services request for ideas, guidance and resources that might assist with capital needs, and in FY2019-2020 agreed to add a $5 facilities restoration fee to each ticket sold. 14 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 Each year the City of Poway drafts a usage agreement whose terms are clear: in exchange for office space, preferred rates on labor, waived usage fees and an annual subsidy ($113K in FY19-20; $93K in FY20-21), Poway OnStage must book a professional performance series and turn in a balanced budget. We have met and exceeded these terms every year at least since my arrival at the Foundation in 2003 (the complete usage agreement is attached). It is also worth noting that the City's subsidy accounts for less than 12% of our annual budget -Poway OnStage sells tickets and raises funds to account for the other 88% of our $950,000 operating budget (attached). The City subsidy of Poway OnStage has declined drastically through the years from $238,345 in FY2007-2008 to $93,350 in FY2020-2021. I would also like to respond to Page 4 paragraph 6 stating that Poway OnStage has "obtained grant funding from both the County and City of San Diego based upon the regional draw of the PCPA." This statement suggests that the PCPA (the building) has its own innate regional draw, and that Poway OnStage receives funding based on that draw. However, our agreements with the County and the City of San Diego (and other granting agencies) are clear: their support is for programs presented by Poway OnStage, specifically the Professional Performance Series, our Arts in Education Initiative, and our annual Taste of Our Towne event. To state that these funds are "based upon the regional draw of the PCPA" undermines the value of our programming and minimizes the hard work that Poway OnStage staff invest in securing those grants. This is not to dispute that Poway OnStage needs a facility in which to present these programs, but as written, this passage suggests that we are receiving money better suited for the PCPA itself. As you can imagine,' I have many thoughts about the various options presented on pages 6 through 12 of the Council Report. But I will withhold thoughts until we know what PUSD's interest may be. I appreciate you taking the time to read these clarifications, and I welcome an opportunity to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Feel free to call or email me at any time. Michael Rennie President and CEO Poway OnStage 15498 Espola Road Poway, CA 92064 858-668-4799 (office) 619-871-7400 (cell) mrennie@powayonstage.org www.powayonstage.org CC: Chris Hazeltine, City Manager, City of Poway Wendy Kaserman, Asst. City Manager, City of Poway Poway OnStage Board of Directors: Josh Berner Bill Chaffin Elaine Cofrancesco Steve DeMatteo Wayne Hamburger Doug Johnson Dan Krall Leah McBride Rachel McCarthy Henneforth JJ Mink Belinda Romero Brenda Sylvia Jim Tenuta 2 15 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:11 PM agendadocs resource Subject: FW: PCPA/PUSD From: Debbora Childress <Debbora@cox.net> Sent: Saturday, November 2, 2019 5:04 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; drosch@poway.org; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; jmulin@poway.org Subject: PCPA/PUSD Dear City of Poway Councilmen, I am writing in regard to the current discussion about the possible transfer of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts to the Poway Unified School District. As a patron of the arts and a local dance director who uses the PCPA annually since it's inception, I can attest to the value we as a community place on this facility. The PCPA is truly the gem of the City of Poway. Thousands of local youth perform there each year. Having the opportunity to stand on that stage with professional lights, sets, backdrops, props and an appreciative audience is invaluable. There is nothing quite like it. Having access to the PCPA is such an important part of so many local performer's life experience. Imagining a future with the possibility of limited or no access is tragic! Over the many, many years I have presented annually on the PCPA stage, I have introduced literally thousands of local youth and their families to the beauty and professionalism of the Center. Performing there has become part of their expectation and experience. It is a tradition which we all wish to continue. I am now presenting children of the first students who performed there 30 years ago. We value and love the PCPA. Recently I spent a month attempting to rent a facility for our annual Nutcracker from the PUSD using their Facilitron program. can attest to the frustrating, time consuming, ineffective process it was. I can only imagine what would occur if they took over the scheduling of the PCPA. The PUSD is in the business of education ... not in the business of running a professional arts venue. Reading about the many options being considered as cost cutting measures for the City in regards to the PCPA, it would seem that there are other options that make a better first-step. Returning the Poway On Stage foundation to it's original purpose of gaining funds for the PCPA vs. receiving funds from the City, seems like a good one. I appreciate your consideration in keeping the PCPA as a viable, accessible, community supported facility for all. Sincerely, Debbora Childress Ms. Debbora's School of Dance 14005-B Midland Rd., Poway 1 16 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: -----Original Message----- Carol Legg Monday, November 4, 2019 2:45 PM agendadocs resource Chris Hazeltine; Wendy Kaserman FW: Performing Arts Center decision From: Hansen Julie <jhansenusc95@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:29 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org> Subject: Performing Arts Center decision Mayor Vaus, It has been brought to my attention that the fate of the Performing Arts Center of Poway is being considered by the City Council. I have been to many shows at the center and have had personal interactions with the both the staff, volunteers and the performers. The fact that Poway has a performing arts center and the import the city puts on the arts was a factor in our decision to raise our children here in Poway. It gives Poway a solidly unique opportunity to provide amazing opportunities to showcase local artists and professional entertainers as well. The facility is beautiful and the perfect place to highlight what an amazing community Poway is and will remain to be, if properly governed in the future. Our family strongly supports the PCPA and its presence in our cherished town. Since rely, Julie Hansen, LCSW Dr. David Hansen, PhD 1 17 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:46 PM agendadocs resource Cc: Chris Hazeltine; Wendy Kaserman Subject: FW: Poway Centre for the Performing Arts From: Hamish Mouat <hamishmouat@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:18 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org> Subject: Poway Centre for the Performing Arts Dear Mayor Vaus, Deputy Mayor Grosch, and Council Members Mullin, Frank and Leonard, I am writing to you from Auckland, New Zealand, to express my concern over the proposal to potentially terminate the city of Poway's operation of the PCPA. I was thrilled to visit Poway for the first time in 2017, when I was invited by the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Educational Network (MET2) to perform in their Fall Season of Beauty and the Beast at the PCPA. MET2 have been operating out of the PCPA for almost 30 years, and would be one of many community groups and arts organisations to be affected monumentally by this proposed change of hands. Community Arts Groups such as MET2 offer so much more than what is seen on the stage. The coming together of a community to bring the spectacle of what is performed in the theatre is something truly extraordinary. Young people learn and grow in confidence, and develop memorisation, motor, verbalisation, communication, oratory and problem solving skills. Studies have proved that young people who grow up in arts programmes such as these achieve higher on their SATs (by an average of 51 points on Verbal and 38 on Math). Like-minded individuals of all ages get the chance to connect and feel safe and supported by their peers. Global friendships and connections are built -such as the ones I have been lucky enough to enjoy thanks to my association with MET2 and the PCPA. Taking away the city's governance of this facility will not only affect the operation of arts groups such as MET2, but it will also negatively affect the young people who would have otherwise had the opportunity to grow through their educational experience associated with their participation. Taking the facility away will take away these groups, and therefore take away the good that they are doing in the world, by exposing young people to positive influences and educational opportunities. The children, parents and families of Poway will lose out on so much that makes Poway a city to be proud of, and it will be reflected on this term's council members -something that will be remembered by voters of the future. Personally, I would never have discovered Poway if it weren't for the current operation of the PCPA allowing MET2 to perform such high quality theatre within it's facility. I am not the first international performer to have been on the PCPA stage, and should operations resume as they have been (which they should, without question), I know I will not be the last. The PCPA has opened the doors to a global network for Poway -bringing the city's profile up around the world and encouraging visits and spending in the local community through tourism. Every time someone I know from New Zealand travels to the United States for a vacation, I encourage them to visit Poway. It holds a special place in my heart. This would not be the case if the PCPA were not available to create such marvellous connections for Poway residents around the world. With so much negativity and pain in the world we live in right now, the arts has the power to inspire, transform and uplift so many people. Taking that glory away from Poway would be, without a doubt, an unbelievable tragedy. I sincerely hope this proposed change will not be seen through. Thank you so much for your time. 1 18 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 Regards, Hamish Mouat 2 19 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:46 PM agendadocs resource Cc: Chris Hazeltine; Wendy Kaserman Subject: FW: Poway Center for the Performing Arts From: Trevor Collins <trevor.collins@mac.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:02 PM To: Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org>; Dave Grosch <DGrosch@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org>; Caylin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org> Subject: Poway Center for the Performing Arts Dear Mayor and City Council Members, It has come to my attention that the City of Poway and PUSD is considering changes to the future of the Poway Center for Performing Arts. As a former K-12 student of PUSD, a member of community groups who present at the PCPA and a current professional entertainment industry producer I'm very concerned that some of the proposed changes could drastically change access and use of the facility in the future. As a student my first introductions to the PCPA where through PUSD programs put together by Teachers (Sharyn Lyon and Melissa Moreau) it's this exposure that got me interested in Theater Arts. As my interest grew, I was able to further expand my experiences and education outside of school by participating in programs by MET2 and Southern California Ballet who regularly mount productions at the PCPA. Eventually I would apply and be hired by the City of Poway as a Stage Technician working for Garret Moreau and Mark Zetler under Belinda Romero. My experience as an employee working with the full range of presenters from Educational, to Community Groups and Professional Presenters would ultimately give me the springboard to apply and be accepted to The Conservatory of Theater Arts @ SUNY Purchase BFA Program one of the most elite programs for Theatre Design/Technology. Through this program I got to achieve my dream of working in professional theater in NYC and eventually land in my current position as an Executive Producer in the corporate events industry. I realize the PCPA partnership between the City of Poway and PUSD is complex, but I think it serves a vital role in balancing educational needs, community groups and professional presenters at the PCPA. This special combination of experiences that not only helped me discover my passion for theater arts but expand and explore and ultimately lead to my college education and professional career. I know that I'm not alone in these experiences, many other students and community members benefit from have access to such a facility. There is no other facility in San Diego that serves the community some completely like the PCPA, please ensure that the PCPA is able to continue doing so. Thank You, Trevor Collins Executive Producer TC Productions Inc. 1 20 of 20 November 5, 2019, Item #5.1 From: Carol Legg Sent: To: Monday, November 4, 2019 2:47 PM agendadocs resource Cc: Subject: Chris Hazeltine; Wendy Kaserman FW: PCPA From: Allison Gharst <agharst13@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 1:16 PM To: Gdgrosch@poway.org; Barry Leonard <BLeonard@poway.org>; Cay lin Frank <CFrank@poway.org>; John Mullin <JMullin@poway.org>; Steve Vaus <SVaus@poway.org> Subject: PCPA Good Afternoon - I am unfortunately short on time and unable to write a well-composed email regarding my thoughts on the PCPA city counsel proposal, but I wanted to take the time that I do have to voice my opposition to putting the control of it into the hands of PUSD, and the associated costs onto their plate. As a Poway resident and voter I would ask that you do not go with this option and leave the center available to the many many outside groups currently supporting what is a SEVERELY LACKING arts progra m in our public schools. As the PUSD is clearly not in a position to do that on their own and these outside groups are filling the gap. Thank you! Allison Gharst Co-Owner of Peabody&Sassafras and the Queen Bee Market www.peabodyandsassafras.etsy.com lnstagram: @Peabodyandsassafras www.thequeenbeemarket.com Facebook: the queen bee market IG: @Queenbeemarket 1