A Further Word on Bowery

We were pleased to learn . . . that the Bowery Theatre had found new space in the Gaslamp Quarter (Stage column, by Nancy Churnin, July 15) and that the theater will move to this new location some time after Jan. 1.

We felt that several pertinent facts were absent from the article, however. The 30-day notice to vacate was given in response to a “Notice of Fire and Safety Hazards” issued to the Bowery Theatre by the City of San Diego. The Bowery Theatre was cited by the Fire Department for operating without a public assembly permit and for being in violation of several fire codes.

The Downtown Senior Center could not ignore these serious deficiencies. The violations concerned public safety and those who patronize the theater were and are unaware of the existing fire and safety hazards. Through our attorney, Ed Whittler, we have been in continuous contact with representatives of the Bowery Theatre, contrary to the statement in the article.

We understand that the Bowery Theatre representatives have undertaken to correct the fire and safety hazards for which they were cited. We are confident that the board of directors of the Bowery, as responsible members of our community, will support our position of not inviting patrons to assemble at the theater until all safety violations have been corrected.

Mavourneen O’Connor

President,

Downtown Senior Center

San Diego