Cultural Arts Improvements

By Jerry T. Thorne, P.E.

We must improve the availability of Cultural Arts facilities and programs for all of our citizens.

Our city has some of the finest and most coveted sports and recreational facilities and programs in the state. However, we have not done as good a job as needed with providing opportunities for youth, seniors, etc. to participate in Arts programs. In short, our community offerings of Arts programs is out of balance with other activities.

When elected, I will work with the Arts Council, The Cultural Arts Commission and other Arts groups dedicated to improving access to the Arts in Pleasanton to improve this balance.

My family is a perfect example of why we need a balance. My daughter, Keri, is an athlete and participated in Pleasanton's U.S. Swimming program (The Pleasanton Seahawks) as well as some of our other city and city sponsored programs as a youngster. She attended and graduated from Villanova University and was a scolarship swimmer and letter winner all 4 years.

I, on the other hand, was a musician and attended college on a partial music scolarship.

In any case, not all of us are athletes and not all of us are artist, musicians, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a community wide balanced approach.

Jerry Thorne