01 & 14 (181)Public Comment
From:
Lauren Edwards <
Sent:
Saturday, April 24, 2021 9:05 AM
To:
Public Comment
Cc:
Anaheim Ballet
Subject:
SAVE ANAHEIM CULTURAL ARTS CENTER and the Home of Anaheim Ballet!
Dear Mayor Sidhu and Council Members,
My name is Lauren Edwards and I am writing to you today in support of Anaheim Ballet. I grew
up in Anaheim and grew up dancing. I wish Larry and Sarma had had their ballet company in
Anaheim when I was growing up! I did have the privilege to take classes and work for Anaheim
ballet when I was in my 20s. The arts are an important part of any community, and for more
than 20 years, Anaheim Ballet has been a valued arts force and presence in Anaheim.
Anaheim Ballet provides free community-based after-school programming, workforce and
recreational training, bus -in presentations, lecture/demonstrations and concert performances
and has been recognized both locally and internationally as a point of pride to the City. During
my short time working for this organization I saw how big of an impact Anaheim Ballet makes
on kids and family lives!
I understand that the State of California is forcing cities to convert city owned land into
affordable housing, which is desperately needed, but it should not be built at the expense of
destroying the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center (the current home of the Anaheim Ballet).
There are no current plans for a new Cultural Arts Center or home for the Anaheim Ballet. If the
City demolishes this architecturally unique building, you will be removing the ONLY Cultural
Arts Center in the City and displacing the City's treasured arts organization. Anaheim Ballet
and the Cultural Arts center is one of the many things that make Anaheim such an amazing city
and a standout compared to the communities in the area. Is the amount of housing that piece
of land provides really make-up for the loss of such a huge positive influence on the city's
culture and youth? It is best for the community, and especially for our underserved youth, that
Anaheim Ballet remains in its current accessible location!
Please vote in support of the Cooperative Agreement with Anaheim Ballet. Thank you for your
consideration. Don't tear down a jewel to build tenement style affordable housing!
Sincerely,
Lauren Brothers Edwards