HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2013 B3 PelusoDecember 12, 2011
To San Luis Obispo City Council Members
John Ashbaugh
Andrew Carter
Kathy Smith
Vice Mayor Dan Carpenter
Mayor Jan Howell Marx
RED FILE
MEETING AGENDA
J I ITEM #
I am writing in support of item #3 on the December 13`" agenda which reads: LEASE OF 1123
MILL STREET BY THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL.
I served as Executive Director of ARTS Obispo, the SLO County Arts Council from January 1,
2006 through May 31, 2011. Thus I am well aware of both the extensive needs of our local arts
council and the large extent to which it serves the City of San Luis Obispo.
The administrative offices of this organization have been located within SLO city limits for
nearly 30 years. This central location enables the arts council to most efficiently serve its
constituents. It has also made for stronger programs within City limits. For example, ARTS
Obispo organizes Art After Dark that has grown to be a major attraction, bringing locals and
tourists to downtown SLO monthly. Open Studios Art Tour draws visitors from outside of the
area, many of whom sleep, eat and shop within SLO City limits. Poetry Out Loud serves local
high school students with SLO High and Mission Prep being annual participants.
ARTS Obispo's Art in Public Places program has worked for years with no compensation from
the City in advising and advocating for the City of SLO's Art in Public Places program.
In other words, the SLO County Arts Council serves the citizens of the City of San Luis Obispo
on a daily basis and has contributed to local cultural advancement.
Being a non - profit, the arts council has suffered tremendously with the recent economic
downtown. Allowing this organization to use City property at a greatly reduced rate would
enable them to focus more attention on programs that serve our residents and visitors, than on
fundraisers to keep their doors open.
As a resident of the City of San Luis Obispo, I urge you to vote YES in support of leasing 1123
Mill Street to the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. SLO City will be the stronger for that
decision.
Thank you.
Marta Peluso
557 Stoneridge Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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