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Charlene Villella, 3395 Smoketree Commons Drive, the outgoing poet laureate, read a poem she had composed for this meeting, a copy of which is attached. Mr. Cole continued his presentation by listing various performing arts groups, orchestral and band groups, musical theater, quilters, dance, drama, and comedy. All of this has come about without support from City government. The only thing the City has done is the refurbishment of Amador Theater. The needs of the community are gallery space near downtown, rehearsal space, classroom space, space for large and small theater productions, and an outdoor amphitheater. As Council considers allocation of land on the Bemal property and at other spaces, he urged Council to keep in mind the need for these arts facilities. There may not be funds to build an 800-seat theater today, but space must be preserved for it. PCAC will do its best to support implementation of these two reports and their recommendations. Charlotte Severin, 4513 Mirador Drive, enthusiastically supported the arts facilities plan. The visual artists desperately need facilities for classrooms, workshop space, and exhibition space. She indicated she is on the task force dealing with the Amador Park reconfiguration. She would like a Mendocino-like art center and described how the existing cultural arts center could be expanded. She asked for those in support of the arts facilities plan to stand. (About half the audience rose.) John Loll, 4788 Peaceful Lane, indicated Pleasanton is a fabulous place to live and raise a family. He has no doubt about the opportunities for education and sports, but there are no local arts opportunities for education or participation. He encouraged Council to keep its enthusiasm for arts facilities. These studies are a product of three years of activity. He was excited about the opportunities to preserve open space, to partner with the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, and to create opportunities to reach out to businesses and new audiences. He encouraged Council to maintain a regional dialogue about large-scale arts events, but there is so much more in the facilities plan for art on a local level. Mr. Campbell asked if space in the Historical Society Museum could be used for a gallery. Mr. Loll believed the museum was a treasure in and of itself and encouraged the residents to visit it. There have been no discussions about gallery space, but visual artists need large rooms to display large pieces of art. Ms. Ayala encouraged him to work with the School Board. There has been discussion about a facility for the fine arts. Barbara Daggett, 6034 Alisal Street, pointed out that there is an expansive business park, senior center, sports park, and aquatic center. As Pleasanton is growing, it is now time for an arts facility for all the reasons previous mentioned. Erma Wheatley, 467 Del Sol Avenue, said this is not a question of"if you build it, they will come"; we are already here. There are lots of us and we want to be active in the life blood of this city. When you consider what to spend tax money on, you have to look at the benefits for Pleasanton City Council 6 05/08/01 Minutes