HomeMy WebLinkAbout19960619_Maino letter to the TribuneJune 19, 1996
The Editor
Telegram Tribune and New Times
Registered Investment Counsellor
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City of . L.. .
Last week, a tempest was created by certain politicians and the local media which I feel deserves
a response. In regard to the naming of the Performing Arts Center, I would like to clarify some
of the issues:
In 1989, then -Mayor Dunin, Warren Baker and Warren Sinsheimer, representing respectively the
City of San Luis Obispo, the State of California and the Foundation for the Performing Arts
Center (FPAC), agreed to cooperate in order to bring Jack & Lucille Fabbri's early vision of a
performing arts center to reality. The project has been remarkable for the degree of cooperation
and coordination brought to it by all parties. Early on, it was apparent to everyone involved that
the private sector would have to commit to raising a significant amount of money in order for
the project to succeed. FPAC was given the task of raising private funds and providing
appropriate recognition for various levels of gifts. It was understood that FPAC would, under
the agreements, be able to offer naming opportunity to the largest private donor.
It is common practice in metropolitan areas for principal donors to have the naming opportunity
for facilities to which they contribute. That's how Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall and
the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion came into existence. Simply put, Chris Cohan made the largest
private donation, got the project rolling and is, accordingly, entitled to name the facility as he
chooses.
Chris Cohan stepped up at a very critical time in the fund raising process and provided a
significant gift to our community. His gift, in turn, energized the private sector to seek out
donors and give so that the Center could actually be built. Chris' generous donation (which
hasn't come close to being topped) has resulted in additional donations of nearly $10,000,000
from private donors to date. It is my personal opinion that without the initial (and early) impetus
of Chris Cohan's gift, there would be no hall ready to open later this year.
Shortly after Mr. Cohan made his gift, a reception was held at the Madonna Inn on 2/1/90
announcing this substantial gift to the community. Mayor Dunin, as the City's representative,
spoke at the reception and acknowledged Chris. One month later, on 3/2/90, a Campaign
Kickoff Ball was held at the Embassy Suites. Mayor Dunin was again present and more than
aware that Chris, as the highest private donor to the project, would be able to name the Center.
Those of us in attendance fully expected that name would be related to Chris' family or business
but at that time no formal name was set since another, larger donor would have had that honor
had they surpassed Chris' contribution. Chris would then have accepted some other form of
recognition.
1108 Garden Street, Suite 211 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: 805 543-3592 • Fax: 805 543-0883
For the current Mayor of San Luis Obispo, Alan Settle, to now say that he and City staff were
"not aware" that the FPAC "had been granted the authority to name the center" is either
extremely self-serving or disingenuous at best. City representatives have been involved since the
earliest days and have permanent positions on the Center's steering committee. We can only
assume that the naming of the Center would have been discussed at committee meetings on more
than one occasion. Any questions or objections should have been raised and dealt with in
committee rather than in our local newspapers. The media, for its part, should have also checked
the facts before printing what was obviously a divisive story. I further believe the local press
should be promoting community cooperation and not simply stirring the tabloid pot in an effort
to increase their own circulation or the visibility of certain politicians.
We are now at a point where the entire community should be coming together and celebrating
the efforts of all parties in bringing a world class facility to San Luis Obispo County. With the
opening of the Performing Arts Center, we will see a marked increase in the quality and quantity
of cultural offerings that should enrich all our lives. In addition, the visitor serving industry will
be pleasantly surprised by the influx of additional tourists the Center will no doubt attract.
Is an apology to Chris in order? Probably so. But more importantly, the current Mayor and the
local media should try to do what they can to reestablish the spirit of cooperation that began the
project. Petty sniping, for whatever reason, will only impede remaining fundraising efforts and
possibly prevent the center from being opened as envisioned. It's time to pick up the oars and
pull together since there is still a lot work yet to be done. FPAC, which has already exceeded its
initial commitment to raise funds for the Center, still has over $1 million to raise to properly
equip the Center for its opening. After that, millions more will be needed for an endowment to
maintain, improve and subsidize the Center's future operations. Only through a rededication by
all parties can this be accomplished. Let's work with and not against one another!
Sincerely,
James F. Maino
cc: Warren Baker, FPAC, John Dunn, Warren Sinsheimer