Copper Curtain Options

Ah, the mighty oak! The symbol of Thousand Oaks and the subject of controversy over its standing as a symbol for the Civic Arts Plaza.

But we think this stately tree has been kicked around the community, ad nauseam, long enough and should not even be considered as a symbol depicting the arts.

The oak (real or abstract) is featured as a symbol or logo by dozens of local businesses and organizations--ranging from an appliance store to a pest-control service to a veterinarian. That’s appropriate, as it tells their customers that they are an established part of the community. But it doesn’t say anything to the masses for or about the arts.

So enough already! We urge the Arts Commission and City Council as well as the community to refocus and develop a design (the dancing muse, for example) that sings out that we are a proud community that embraces culture and the arts and we want the world to know it.

That’s something an oak tree could never do.

SYLVIA and JIM SAVAGE, Westlake Village

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Are you confused and / or upset about the three “options” being offered by the city of Thousand Oaks for the enhancement of the Civic Arts Plaza’s copper curtain?

If you aren’t happy with the choices offered, let your voice be heard on the city’s “additional input” line, 449-2386.

As a positive suggestion, why don’t we unite and call in a proposal for a fourth option, the full oak tree that the city uses for its logo. This is such an obvious option!

It is truly recognizable as a symbol for the city of Thousand Oaks, and it appears to be no more complex a design than the branch options.

If there are enough callers for a single, sensible idea, maybe we will have a chance to avoid still another embarrassment to what should be the center of our civic pride, our Civic Arts Plaza.

HARRY JEFFERIES, Westlake Village

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Re “Probst’s Name on Center to Disappear,” May 13.

Perhaps the Thousand Oaks City Council should consider naming the building and surrounding structures for the actual donors who footed the $64 million bill: “Taxpayer Hall.”

AL GRESSLER, Newbury Park