Juggling required
Letters -- December 17, 2001
What a surprise to read in the Dec. 8 editorial that the Linda
Vista/Annandale Association has become such a major league power
that it could strong-arm Cirque du Soleil into declining to
bring its tented extravaganza to Brookside Park next spring. Had
editor Larry Wilson, a Linda Vista-area resident who is justly
proud of his neighborhood, talked with us before writing the
editorial, he would have learned that our "show-stopping
feat" consisted of asking City Council and city staff to
require Cirque-bound traffic be directed away from homes as much
as possible, and that Pasadena's sound ordinance be observed
during Cirque's 33 days of actual operation. (In fact, Cirque
would have occupied acres of parking space for 10 weeks -- Feb.
11 to April 19 -- including setup, rehearsal and breakdown
time.)
Why should our insistence that amplified sound be monitored
during the 44-show run -- nine shows a week, six in the evening
-- make us the scapegoat. NIMBY-minded "deal killers"
of this worthy cultural event? Of what value is a sound
ordinance whose enforcement cannot even be requested?
Incidentally, Cirque initially agreed to sound monitoring --
even believed they could comply -- but unilaterally chose not to
go ahead because of a too-tight schedule and sensitivity to the
nearby neighborhoods.
I should also note that never before, with enough profit in
view, has the sound ordinance prevented our City Council from
approving fireworks shows, rock and pop music concerts or
motorcycle events in the Rose Bowl/Brookside Park area.
Sharp pencils at City Hall may have proved that far less
profit would be realized than the reported $335,000, a
"gross" revenue estimate including
"maximized" parking receipts. The cost of parking
operations, traffic control and policing, a $60,000 finder's fee
and unanticipated extra costs could easily reduce net proceeds
by more than half to $150,000 or so. If this still sounds like a
lot of money for a 10-week occupancy, compare it to $80,000 paid
to the city for each one-day swap meet! It is our impression
that city officials might be lukewarm about hosting this circus.
Our association supports the idea of Cirque erecting its
2,500-seat big top inside the Rose Bowl where security, lights
and sufficient space are all available. Let's hope this
world-class show can enhance Pasadena's image in future years --
inside the Bowl!
Finally, LVAA is dedicated to limiting all types of lengthy
commercial use of the Arroyo Seco. This precious open area must
be preserved for the outdoor enjoyment of Pasadena's citizens
and neighbors. When attempts are made to infringe on this
limited space, we will exercise the right to informed dissent
and will participate fully in the public process.
Norman Parker, President
Linda Vista/Annandale Association
Pasadena
Circus stand off base
When I read your first commentary about Cirque du Soleil, I
thought you were just having a bad day. I see by this morning's
paper that you're serious.
I cannot believe you are fully informed about this matter. I
recall the City Council meeting where Cirque du Soleil was first
discussed. Representatives of neighborhood associations on both
sides of the Arroyo spoke in opposition to it. Joyce Streator's
representative opposed it at a Parks and Recreation hearing.
At the City Council hearing, the debate made it clear that
the vote would be tied, so Streator switched her vote to get
more money for Brookside Park.
You are blithe in your dismissal of traffic concerns, but the
concerns are valid. The swap meets, the Rose Bowl Aquatic
Center, and people desiring normal access to one of Pasadena's
few public parks would be adversely affected. To say nothing of
the inconvenience to the construction which is about to begin at
Kidspace.
Next year when Galaxy leaves, Cirque du Soleil can rent the
Rose Bowl and everyone will be happy. I don't believe I've seen
the Star-News so off base since it opposed the special library
tax.
Barbara Double
Pasadena