But What Is It?

My problem with the new Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is its lack of definiteness. Is it fish or fowl? Is it vegetable or mineral? Is it a city hall or a theater(s)? One entrance (a chute-like entrance) leads to all. Surely, a main stage theater deserves a more grand entrance than an alleyway entry leading to a city hall lobby which leads to another corridor to the main lobby.

The coloration of the main stage theater gives me the effect of being in a grotto. Gray slate walls with jagged stone flower pot fixtures, exuding indirect lighting, create the grotto-like effect.

The seats in the balcony do not allow much leg room for late comers to squeeze through.

The men’s restroom off the main lobby could use more urinals. During intermission at a Forum event recently, there was a line-up in front of the men’s room. This is a problem I’ve seen at the Chandler Pavilion and the Hollywood Bowl. I hoped this would be avoided with the new Civic Arts Plaza.

I was intrigued by the telescope-like peep holes in the balcony walls. The peep holes are focused on the Yukon Belle saloon across the street. The Belle is a friendly reminder of the days of Thousand Oaks before redevelopment knocked on the city’s door.

And pray tell, what are the wine racks still doing on top of the plaza’s roof weeks after the gala opening?

SAMUEL M. ROSEN, Newbury Park