Thousand Oaks Issue : 3 Groups Endorse Plan to Build Arts Center

Three Conejo Valley groups endorsed the proposed Thousand Oaks performing arts center on Friday, calling it the “last important thing” the city needs.

The Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Conejo Valley Board of Realtors and Conejo Symphony voiced support for the $22.3-million center, and disagreed that taxes will be increased to pay the bill.

Opponents who question the need for a center passed out flyers last week calling it a “tax rip-off”.

The complex would include an 1,800-seat central theater, a 299-seat theater for smaller stagings, a 15,000-square-foot art gallery and an outdoor amphitheater. Measure C on the June 3 primary ballot asks voters if they approve of building the performing arts complex.

Steve Rubenstein, president of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, said such a cultural center is “the last important thing we do not have in this community . . . All the other needs that have been asked for have been met.”

The three groups joined the controversy over the center because “People look toward these organizations for opinions,” he said. “They know we have done our homework to find out if this is a good thing.”

The endorsements are part of a campaign called “the arts are for everyone.” The campaign has been organized by the For Measure C group, which seeks to counter arguments that the arts complex is an elitist effort.

“We desperately need a performing arts center,” said Elmer Ramsey, the symphony’s music director and resident conductor. “The proof of the need is that the symphony has had a full house for years.” Attendance would be larger if concert-goers did not have to “sit in a metal chair in a gym,” he said.

“It is ridiculous and untrue to say that the citizens don’t need this,” said Ward Fredericks, co-chairman of For Measure C.

Richard Booker, a leader of one of the groups opposing construction of the arts center, reacted to the three endorsements by saying that supporters “represent a very narrow special-interest group. I think that we have the support of the general population.”