Plans for Multiplex

* Re “Multiplex Plans Show 2 Pictures of San Fernando,” Sept. 23.

This article turned a San Fernando City Council meeting into a movie house culture war.

What I witnessed was downtown redevelopment proposals from two development teams.

The first team was well-organized with a integrated concept that took advantage of the strongest features of old San Fernando. This team was comprised of recognized professionals from inside and outside the community. Their plan was clearly laid out. One facet of the plan includes a Latino-owned theater chain, Maya Cinema. Maya offers standard multiplex movie fare along with access to art films, independents and high-end Spanish-language films.

The second team fell short on organization and presentation, offering only a small architectural rendering and overhead projections of two other jobs they’ve done. This team was clearly less prepared at best and less qualified at worst.

The evening gained drama when specific audience members attacked the inclusion of Maya Cinema. Maya was characterized by these speakers as supporting only the Spanish-speaking community and therefor not “mainstream.” The implication being, not inclusive to the larger community.

Suddenly our collective conscience was no longer focused on which team could execute a full-scale redevelopment project in San Fernando.

We as a community need to focus the topic back on the specific details and cost for redevelopment. We need to consider who has the qualifications and experience to take the action of rebuilding our community center. We need to stay involved in the process and mandate that this plan be inclusive and attractive to the larger San Fernando Valley community.

DON GARCIA

Sylmar