Nava Not Informed

I read “Nava Opposes Plan to Help El Portal Theater” (Times Valley Edition, Dec. 7) with astonishment and sadness. I can understand why a thoughtful person may differ over the social value of any specific project involving expenditure of public funds.

However, to oppose all cultural funding under the pretext of safety for Los Angeles citizens ignores history, as well as reflecting an insensitive and uninformed view of the value of arts and culture in everyday life.

While everyone agrees that personal safety is a primary requirement of any body politic, the two-edged sword that slashes art and culture also damages the uniquely creative and freedom-loving spirit that lives within all of us.

J. JERRY DOMINE

Domine is president of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council .