Re: MCAA facility needs

I am writing in regard to the recent article in the Appeal regarding the facility needs of the Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts (MCAA). Thanks to drama instructor Wendie Marks and reporter Chris Kaufman for an informative summary of the topic.

Unfortunately, I was left with an empty and hopeless feeling after reading the comments of district official Michael Hodson. Mr. Hodson sang the tired refrain that renovating the Community Auditorium would be overly costly and not feasible given the needs of other district schools. While I certainly concur that the $20 million estimate is astronomical, to simply throw up your hands is defeatist.

First of all, as a Yuba County resident I know from recent surveys that the district is planning another bond measure for school construction and renovation funds. Why not designate a portion of these potential funds for Community Auditorium renovation and then partner with a corporate sponsor, i.e. Comcast, and community organizations for the additional funds? After all, we are talking about a facility that until a couple of years ago provided a 1,000-seat venue to a tremendous variety of entertainment acts besides district schools and community groups. I believe the district has a responsibility to be a good community partner and help provide a performance venue not just to the Charter Academy but the entire Yuba-sutter area.

Please join me in pressuring the Marysville Joint Unified School District board members and district staff to make a real community investment in the arts. John Pimentel