One likes to believe that a relationship exists between art and altruism–or at least idealism. You know, the search for truth, the discovery of beauty and so on. Well, I’m all for theater, arts and drama. But when it’s earned at the price of private property, I hold our Constitution dearer.
The Malibu Stage Company, having secured some 80 days and evenings to conduct public assembly on residential property–thanks to the generosity of a conditional use permit–now wants to seize “the window of opportunity” to upgrade their brand-new variance. As I understand it, the original CUP was granted in somewhat quieter days along PCH for a church, to accommodate their faithful on the Sabbath Day. Not to be too sectarian here, I believe that amounts to 52 days a year of sermons, prayers and contemplation on that little mount overlooking Zuma Canyon.
Isn’t it somewhat disingenuous for The Malibu Stage Co. to beggar a boost right on the heels of this duly considered grant? And were an increase to the sought “90 to 100 days of use” be permitted, does TMSC propose to compensate their Bonsall neighbors for the peace and quiet by which it had been bought? And what level of use will satisfy them? Should not art serve a loftier goal than Trojan Horse for cynicism?
It might be interesting to know if the good Lutherans felt it necessary to appeal for more time to worship in the dozens of years they occupied the property. Or were they content to share this bucolic environment with the family neighborhood into which they so minimally intruded?
Let’s face it, art (and religion too) can become big business. Starting small, they may grow entrepreneurally, losing sight of their raison d’tre along the way.
Ask your Pacific Palisades neighbors about the clout of Getty, readying installation of a 400-seat auditorium, restaurant and infrastructure in their backyard.
Tom Meade