Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Culture Arts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Performing arts center managers, staff and artists plead with Oxnard council to preserve Sterling-run OPAC; council asks staff to schedule fuller briefing
Summary
Employees, artists and community partners who operate the Oxnard Performing Arts Center urged the council on Feb. 4 to preserve the current Sterling Venues management arrangement and to allow OPAC nonprofit representatives to present records of the center's activity over the past five years before a Feb. 18 vote.
Employees, artists and community partners who operate and program the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) urged the city council on Feb. 4 to preserve the current Sterling Venues management arrangement and to allow OPAC nonprofit representatives to present records of the center's activity over the past five years before the council votes on the matter at its Feb. 18 meeting.
Why this matters: OPAC hosts concerts, school performances, community events and private gatherings. Several employees said Sterling helped stabilize the venue, improved safety and increased community usage since taking over operations, and they warned that a management change could interrupt programming and staff employment.
What speakers asked: Loud, repeated requests from employees and artists asked the council to (1) allow Sterling and OPAC nonprofit leaders to present details on the center's recent programming and finances before any vote; (2) keep current staff employed; and (3) consider community impact when choosing a manager. "I would like to ask on our next vote that you guys vote to keep Sterling to manage the OPAC. So keep our staff employed and allow us to continue providing concerts and community events to the city of Oxnard," said Josiah Henriksen, identified at the meeting as a Sterling employee.
Council response: The City Manager said staff would be responsive to the request to schedule an OPAC briefing. Several council members acknowledged the center's community role and suggested a staff-led report or presentation prior to Feb. 18 so the council can review a complete record of services and programs.
What did not happen: No contract award, termination or formal vote occurred at the Feb. 4 meeting. Council members deferred the detailed management decision to the Feb. 18 agenda, the date multiple speakers said they expect action.
Taper: Speakers said they would return on Feb. 18 to follow the council's decision.
