Minutes 5-4-95 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Commissioners were in receipt of a letter written by Dennis Lickteig, Artistic Director of Peninsula Center Stage (PCS) to the City Council regarding Elena Mori's application to the Civic Cultural Commission. Commissioner Filippi stated that there were several erroneous statements in his letter regarding Elena Mori. The letter stated that she is an organization; Ms. Mori is not a member of an organization but a teacher in the Redwood City School District. The letter stated that she serviced only youth in the community; she encourages all current and former students and parents. The letter stated that PCS is doing things with youth in the community; Commissioner Filippi said he was not aware of any educational experiences PCS has provided. The letter indicated that Mr. Lickteig has tried to contact Ms. Mori; Commissioner Filippi stated Ms. Mori said she has never communicated with Mr. Lickteig. Commissioner Filippi said he felt the letter was extremely unfair and contained no factual evidence, and that it was a character assassination on Elena Mori. He felt she is an excellent teacher and very well qualified to be a member of the Cultural Commission. M/S Filippi/Fischer: To send a letter to the City Council condemning the letter from Dennis Lickteig regarding Elena Mori. Joe Steinfeld stated this letter from PCS regarding Elena Mori is not an isolated instance and noted that anyone who takes a view against the Fox Theater comes up as a target for public attack. He brought up the fact that in the past, PCS has "attacked" two Councilmembers while in the performance of their duties. Mr. Steinfeld said he felt the City has been very generous to PCS and he is deeply offended by their lack of graciousness and 'biting the hand that feeds them". He felt it was time to halt the process by filing with the IRS and Attorney General. Rex Gavin wanted to know about the problems regarding the Fox Theater and Chairperson Redington informed him that this was not germane to the subject and that he could speak to the Commissioners later regarding this matter. Commissioner Piulle questioned whether the letter was from Mr. Lickteig personally or was written on behalf of the Peninsula Center Stage. She mentioned that the subject of conflict of interest is not a problem on the Commission because all the Commissioners were members of other organizations or groups, and they abstain when there is a conflict of interest. She said she would not support the letter if it went further than the City Council. Commissioner Distefano said she felt a copy of the letter should go to Mr. Lickteig because he wrote the letter and needs to know of the Commission's displeasure regarding it. Commissioner Fischer felt PCS might be in violation of non-profit status and hoped that the motivation for the attack was not due to the attention that Carrington Hall is receiving.