Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let everyone know that the following statement will be read at tonight’s City Council Meeting to address the controversy about renaming the Bowl:
Prepared Statement for the 12.8.09 Ojai City Council Meeting
Presented by: Bill Burr Jr.- Ojai Valley Service Foundation, Vice President
The Ojai Valley Service Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to facilitate funding important community projects in the Ojai Valley. Historically many community projects have been funded through the foundation such as; The Sarzotti Park Gymnasium, The Nordhoff High School Football Field Renovation, Restrooms and All Weather Track Project, The Pergola Project and others.
Currently, we are working with the community, the Music Festival and The City of Ojai to Save Libbey Bowl before it becomes unusable. Our “Save Libbey Bowl” campaign has committed to raising over $1 million dollars towards the $3 million dollar goal to fund the reconstruction of this city icon. The Ojai Valley Service Foundation is the non-profit entity through which the community will contribute to this critically important project.
I wanted to address the naming issue that has been in the papers for a couple weeks now. Raising $1 million is a difficult task and we have been working hard to reach that goal. We understand the importance of maintaining Ojai’s history and legacy. After much thought, we have decided to take the $1 million naming opportunity OFF the table out of respect to the community.
We are seeking the council’s full support as we engage the entire community in creatively and completely funding the rebuilding of one of Ojai’s beloved iconic historical landmarks. Whoever in the community values the Bowl–it is now your turn to step up to the stage and make your gift or multi-year pledge to this historic effort. There are many opportunities to support this project, and we hope that everyone in the community will step forward to “Save Libbey Bowl.”
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to contribute, but I’d like to know what the plans are for the rebuilding. Specifically, is the seating being redone. It is very uncomfortable as it is and I haven’t heard or read about anything except the performers accomodations, the stage, etc. Also there are now some viewing problems for patrons,e.g obstructions. Are they being addressed. I’m asking if the rebuilding has the viewing/ticket buying public in mind. I would not like to see a beautiful bowl created and be disappointed in one or more of its basic needs.
Hi Sid!
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, we are definitely bringing in comfortable seats. As a matter of fact, it looks like we will be going with individual seating rather than benches. Not only is this option a more comfortable one but it cost significantly less than the bench option. We are also working on the viewing issues from the audience end. Though a canopy of trees will be placed within the bowl it will framed around the seating area unlike what we currently have right now.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks Sid.
-Anna Cho