Youths speak up for the arts

We are young performers at High Street Arts Center and we believe that the City Council should keep the theater. It is very old and is an important part of Moorpark's history. It also helps children expand their theater knowledge and careers.

The final weekend of "Marley's Ghost" was sold out. Quoting the rainy opening weekend attendance numbers is unfair to the many people who support theater in Moorpark and those involved in putting on this holiday performance.

Did you know that there are three liquor marts on High Street? If there were fewer liquor stores then maybe more people would be less afraid to go to the theater.

The High Street Arts Center was not put into action three years ago for moneymaking efforts, but to entertain and encourage the arts in Moorpark. It took Simi Valley Arts Center nearly 10 years to be profitable. Most people would rather go to Secret Garden and have dinner and then go to the Arts Center to see a play than go buy beer and just sit on the couch and drink.

There are over two acres of soccer fields at Arroyo Vista Park and they aren't making any money, so why should we have them? What about the skate park? It won't make any money. Why should we have it? The city has bought paintings for city hall and they aren't making a single penny. If Patrick Hunter wants to get rid of the High Street Arts Center, then he might as well get rid of the soccer fields, skate park, and artwork in city hall. Mayor Hunter should seriously think about adding some more restaurants to High Street.

The High Street Arts Center also gives children a place to develop their talents. Acting and performing is a lot different at the High Street Arts Center than doing a production at school because at school, it's the same people and all kids and the same variety, whereas at the High Street Arts Center, we get to work with both kids and adults.

It has been a great experience for us kids working with the adults at the High Street Arts Center. Vardhan Raum, 6, Moorpark Christina Gutierrez, 7, Moorpark Kayla Slack, 9, Simi Valley Anthony Valdez, 9, Moorpark Niranand Raum, 10, Moorpark Paul GillisSmith, 11, Moorpark Summer Shafer, 12, Thousand Oaks Ashley Baker, 14, Moorpark The kids of the cast of "Marley's Ghost"