Mailbag: Another great theater is about to come online, at CdM

I’m writing this after reading the article in the Daily Pilot on the opening show at the new Costa Mesa High School theater. I’m excited that the Daily Pilot takes the time to cover the arts and, in particular, the new theaters made possible with Measure F, passed in 2005.

Sports Editor Steve Virgen did a great job of covering the gala for the CMHS theater opening (“Virgen’s View: A night to celebrate,” Oct. 28), and freelancer William D’Urso’s follow added to the excitement of what the performing arts can be in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (“Costa Mesa High theater ready for first performance,” Nov. 18).

D’Urso’s article mentioned discussions around an additional theater at Estancia High in the coming years. However, I’d like to introduce you to the Backstage and Performing Artists Company, a nonprofit focused on supporting PAMA (Performing Arts and Multimedia Academy) and related performances at our own new theater made possible by Measure F — on the campus of Corona del Mar High School.

The theater is scheduled to open in January, so I hope we have the chance to be featured in the Daily Pilot as well. We have set up all the legal and communication requirements and are in the process of building a donor fund and event schedule in 2015. Exciting times!

Joe Colgate

President, Backstage and Performing Artists Company (BAPA)

Corona del Mar

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Dig deeper into animal center

Re. “Irvine animal-care workers object to shelter’s euthanasia practices, management,” (Nov. 28): I don’t think it is a coincidence that the decline in the Irvine Animal Care Center coincides with a different City Council majority taking charge almost two years ago.

Citizen input and participation has been stripped in many areas. Budgets seem to trump other considerations.

Councilman Jeff Lalloway says he was made aware quite some time ago of a problem and told the manager to look into it.

But it prompts the question: Did he ever follow up? How many animals have died in the intervening time?

The city has been run so well in the past that I wonder if the new people are just taking the process for granted. It takes work, every minute of every day.

This isn’t the first example of a problem, and the situation needs to be fixed quickly. Animals are dying, and donations will dwindle, which will cause more problems for the animal population.

Janis Morris

Irvine

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Bunny sculptures should stay

Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter’s astonishing statement that he hasn’t “met anyone yet that likes the bunnies” set many of us back on our heels.

Yes, many find the concrete bunnies delightful. Even just a glimpse of them in passing brings smiles. We hope they don’t leave.

M. Montgomery

Newport Beach

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No voice for the bunnies

Sorry, but the bunny is too shy, meek and introverted to go to the City Council meeting. You know how bunnies are.

Al Wonders

Newport Beach