RES 89527 - Laserfiche WebLink

AR~S ~ prm~.rC ~ Position Statement As cormunities manure and beccme more affluent, the community itself turns toward the greater rewards the cc~munity as a whole can provide for citizens. Typically, c~munities turn toward increased reactional and cultural activities as the city budgets and household inccres can support the increased financial burden. Abraham M~-~low more than twenty years ago outlined the process by which human beings turn toward a richer, fuller life when given the opportunity to participate in collective cultural activities. Kevin LynCh, in his landmark publication Image of the City, described how cities, as they manure and beccme more affluent, establish an image for r_hemselves through their architecture and public arE. Great social critics and observers suCh as William Whyte and Christian Norberg Schultz consider the envirorm~_nts ccrmunities create for themselves are r_he clearest expression of their collective values. Pleasanton is becoming more aware of the value of a richer environment for its citizens to enjoy. As an example, the new public library will supply a rich culCurai environment and, through its handstree architecture, beccme a source of civic pride. The funding of the remodeling of the Amador Theater is additional evidence that P leasanton, as a cu~nity, is publicly expressing its values and desire for additio~l cultural and artistic opportunities. What the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council (PCAC) wishes to propose is simply a conscious effort to s~pport what is ~]ready taking place: that the ~ublic 'artistic and cultural values be considered and promoted in the planning and develo[m~_nt of the c~:,m/nity. Artistic and cultural opportunities should be considered in public buildings, ccm~rercial buildings, parks and other [m~blic spaces through tba public process. We propose 5hat a citizen ccra~ittee work wi~h the planning depalT/Tent' to propose a program to allow the cc~ty's artistic values be incorporated into its growr_h and develo~t. We believe the process is more importafro than ~he product. The public process whiCh encourages individual input and collective decision making will ensure that the ccrmunity's cultural preferences are incorporated into a practical long term public attitude toward the c~unal environment. We have confidence that the citizens of Pleasanton are more than able to provide our fair city with clear, admirable direction toM~rd a richer environment, and the practical means to carrying it ou~. Bob Gorlow, Vice President Pleasanton Cultural Arts Cc~ttee 3637 Kamp Drive PleasanCon, CA 94566 abgl.!86