Bravissimo!

Here’s a standing ovation for Moorpark businessman Fred Kavli, who not only offered to donate $2.5 million to the Thousand Oaks performing arts center but actually handed over a check for close to the full amount.

It doesn’t always work that way, as the city learned from a previous benefactor who proved better at promising than delivering. Charles E. Probst’s name was removed from the main theater at the Civic Arts Plaza after the reclusive millionaire reneged on his pledge of $2 million, even after a court settlement in which he vowed to pay up.

Kavli’s gift rings down the curtain on the Probst tragicomedy. Within a month, the 1,800-seat theater will be renamed The Fred Kavli Theater of Performing Arts.

Kavli, 70, came to the United States decades ago from his native Norway. He is owner of Kavlico Corp., a manufacturer of sensors for aircraft and other uses. His philanthropic efforts also include the Boys & Girls Club, Moorpark College and the Reagan Foundation.

Although the gift is a special coup for the Alliance for the Arts, that group’s fund-raising for the Civic Arts Plaza is a perennial success. The alliance has built an operating endowment worth nearly $4.4 million, one big reason why the arts center has been able to attract top-flight performers and present shows at reasonable prices to audiences of all ages.

The Civic Arts Plaza is a worthy centerpiece for a proud and active city that does many things right. Thank you, Fred Kavli. Bravo to the Alliance for the Arts. And congratulations to the people of Thousand Oaks.