Profit over culture

Dear Editor:Downey doesn't want arts or culture in its city - only profit. According to the Downey Theatre subcommittee, they are systematically squeezing out the Downey Civic Light Opera and Symphony over its use of the Downey Theatre. Art and culture is what a city is supposed to give back for living and paying taxes here. A thank you, from the city to us residents. Instead it gives us three hookah bars, strip mall nightclubs and fast food restaurants, things I can get anywhere. Downey wants to look cool, like having Avenue Theatre look like it's open but spending money on a fake facade to cover the rotting inside. Just like the drive down Firestone Boulevard. Also, Venue Tech has no respect for the functions or talent of these non-profit groups. Most of their offerings are only half-full. The DCLO and Symphony is something that should be apotheoses and embraced. I would think that after 58 years of top rate talent and entertainment, the city would want to show it off instead of kicking it to the curb. Karl Schott Downey

********** Published: May 23, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 06