Ever been inside the Culver City High School Robert Frost Auditorium?
Took up the invite by Dr. Tony Spano Jr. recently to tour the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts facilities.
Met him at the high school office one gloomy, rainy day. Strolled over to the art classroom and was met by Ms. Kristine Hatanaka, the other director.
Dr. Spano explained that with about 250 students receiving arts education programming through AVPA, 23 classes are being offered this semester, taught by 20 teachers, artists and professionals, covering a wide array of subjects.
All of this takes place after the regular school day as ended at the high school.
I was briefed on the funding situation. West Los Angeles College is still very supportive. Santa Monica College will be on a hiatus for the next 4 years. You know why? Budget cuts. No money for education, by the way.
I read in yesterday’s paper that the money czar was asking AIG to reconsider passing out the tax payers-funded $185 million worth of bonuses almost a year after G.W. Bush was voted out.
Do they want us to believe that AIG was still holding onto all that cash? Some more smart lawyers.
Of course the Academy could always use some more cash. Never too much of that.
We first entered the main art classroom. Probably 20 students present. Most were working on sketches. This is a specialized class, made available after school with a professional artist coming in to teach the students. Moved on with Dr. Spano to the Music, Film and the Dance, Theatre portion, in the Robert Frost Auditorium.
I have been in there only once, 2 years ago when my son received an 8th grade academia award. It was gloomy back then, and, it has not changed either. Looks the same, day or night. Theatre curtains falling apart. A large shredded piece lying on the floor. Brick walls painted glossy black.
The theater was remodeled for a one-time event some years ago. Since, it has gone on to the normal state of School District-owned property — neglected.
Must be hereditary.
It has a stage lift, something to do with the lights. Has not worked for years. They have rented a lift every time they need one.
Place needs updating, badly.
A group of student actors was working on stage. Walked onto the side of the stage, following the black walls down a short hall way. On the right was a production room, dark with focused lights shining on its intended target.
Overhead, you could see the conduits that contained wiring for whatever was needed. Did not look pretty. Off to the left is an area behind the stage that houses small groups of student actors getting individual instructions.
I guess the noisy warbling floor fan didn’t distract them. Over time, you just blot out the noise. Mr. Tony said that there is no A/C or heat in the building.
The unnecessary suffering our kids go through just to participate in any activity in the School District.
Cannot imagine how it must feel in the heat of summer or the coldness of winter.
Not quite as bad as the swimmers being tortured in the blazing summer sun and the chilly winter winds.
I just kept looking at the place, wondering what it would look like in a state of the art condition.
Made me think of the Natatorium. My son is on the water polo JV team. Two weeks ago Friday and Saturday, they were in a water polo tournament. They were undefeated in all four games. Guess that makes them the tournament champs. The tournament was at Mira Costa High School swimming pool facilities. I was there for the Saturday games.
After the games, Coach Nestor commented that this was a nice facility. He stated that they are having the same financial problems all other schools are having, yet they are able to have their own pool facility. Did not tell him that it did not look too good right now.
I told him to “keep hope alive.”
Where did I hear that before?
Everyone I have discussed the Natatorium with cannot seem to overcome what they consider sticker shock.
Whoa, a $30,000 monthly maintenance cost.
With all the modern technology, solar heating and cooling system the cost should be considerably less.
Even so, there are ways to finance it with a federal program that will pick up 35 percent of the finance interest portion.
Been to the Natatorium also.
Did a story on it, too.
Guess I could show them how to renovate all the Districts property? I have hinted around about it several times in my articles.
A note to the editor:
This is not the last you will hear from me, either way Election Day goes tomorrow.
Not that easy to get rid of me. sincerely
This has been one heck of a time. I have teachers come up to me daily to discuss things happening in thefrontpageonline.com
These last two weeks have been awesome.
I have a proposal to revamp the way the elections are held.
After thing cool down I'll run it by you.
Thanks again, and if you think I owe you an apology, you’ve got it.
I hope to have you considered as a friend.
We do not necessarily have to agree on things, though.
Again thanks for giving me a chance.
I am not religious, but I do believe in God.
It is out of our hands.
Mr. Abrams, one of six candidates for three open seats on the School Board in Truesday’s election, may be contacted at gabrams@ca.rr.com
