Mr. Mayor, don't cancel YPT - Christian A. Wilson
Dear Mr. Mayor:
I hope that you and the council doesn't cancel YPT because I went to the Drama Boot Camp and they gave me the confidence I needed back stage. One of my teachers came to see Peter Pan Jr. – that was my first play and I got a big part. And my brother – he loves YPT and we hope that the counsel does not cancel YPT. When I first heard about this I felt really sad cause this may be my last play at YPT.
Sincerely,
Christian A. Wilson
8 years old
San Jose as an arts community - Joan M. Wilson
The Honorable Mr. Ron Gonzales:
This letter is in regards to the Young Peoples Theater at the Kirk Center. This program is a positive program for not just the youth in San Jose but for the parents, grandparents (from all over who come to San Jose for the sole reason of seeing their grandchild or friend’s grandchild), aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, teachers (some who have come from other cities to attend performances, then eat in our restaurants and shop in our city), friends of the performers, Girl Scouts, families that receive food from programs such as City Team Ministries and Sacred Heart Community Center, Cancer research and patient support.
San Jose has prided itself as being an arts community. I hope it will continue to support the arts in all aspects especially when it comes to our young people and giving them a positive creative outlet. San Jose also boasts a low crime rate. I hope it will continue to support positive programs for our youth (that include preteens and teens that are not into sports). San Jose has enough good sports programs.
There is at least one boy that came to YPT that was on the verge of being at risk in Middle School he could have very easily turned the wrong way, and then he found this program. His parents told me that they attribute this program for his choice in better friends and working harder in school and having a more positive view of himself and where he fits into the world.
Another parent told me that their son has been less angry since being a part of the YPT program.
I think that is part of what this program brings to more than just these young people – “being a part of”. Without YPT there is nothing, without the young performers there is nothing and without both elements there is no magic. With it all, there is truly more than just the magic of theater.
YPT has given my own son a more positive attitude about himself, he is more confident and has a feeling that he is valued in this world not only by his parents but by his peers and other adults of this community that he doesn’t even know. He does however know that he played a big part in bringing some joy and entertainment to the community as a whole each and every time he is a part of the Young Peoples Theater program. He has a purpose in his life with this program. He has felt a sense of value because this isn’t a program that we just pay the money for and he’s in, he has to earn a part in this, it is all him, Mom and Dad have nothing to do with his getting a part, just him, his talents and hard work. And people pay much more than the price of a movie ticket to come and see what he and the other actors have worked very hard for. He has been able to progress with other parts and more lines because of his hard work. It has given him the confidence to apply for work to pay for part of his tuition in another program that he attends. He told me after his first experience with YPT, “I felt like I had come home the moment I walked into that room (the theater).”
I have met many students at West Valley College that have been a part of Young People’s Theater at the Kirk Center and I have heard many positive things about their experiences as well.
YPT has been a SUCCESSFUL positive force in our community for over 20 YEARS that has put money back into the CITY’S GENERAL FUND. It has already been cut to the bone with the loss of aprox. $75,000.00 by cutting the part time positions. The City of San Jose’s General Fund, last year, only paid for 2 benefited positions of 2 people that give more than what they are paid for and give up more than what anyone would ever expect for far less than what they deserve.
Please, please, please do not close the Kirk Community Theater and turn it into office space. How can we possibly ask that a child go with out a meal because the City of San Jose had to cut a program that not only was positive for the participants but provided thousands of pounds of food (ALL DONATED) by the audiences of Young Peoples Theater. I could not and will not support such a government that could cut a program such as this, which gives more back to the community as a whole than it costs to keep it.
Sincerely,
Joan M. Wilson
1789 Wyrick Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124
Nancy Block to Judy Chirco
January 23, 2005
Judy Chirco Council District #9
801 North First Street Rm.#600
San Jose, CA 95110
Judy.chirco@sanjoseca.gov
Dear Ms. Chirco,
I am writing this from my heart as a program that has changed the life of my son is going to be cut because of the budget problems that San Jose is facing. I am speaking of the San Jose Parks and Recreation Young People’s Theater program at Kirk Community Center. This program has served the youth of San Jose since 1984, donated over 100,000 cans of food to the needy, donated $6000 to the American Cancer Society, and raised $77,000 last year to directly support itself independent of city funds. It has provided thousands of children with invaluable self development. However, these are only figures on a piece of paper. I wish to share what it has done for my son Daniel and many other special children.
Daniel came to Kirk Young People’s Theater five years ago. He was being bullied at his elementary school and was not succeeding in his athletic attempts. He found a passion and a place to grow at Kirk. His life turned around from one of not fitting in and feeling bad about himself to a life of grand self-esteem, enthusiasm, and academic success. He learned that his gift was acting. I am confident that without the experience of this program he would not be where he is today, a straight “A” student who was selected to travel abroad as a student ambassador. He found other children like himself; creative, sensitive, and passionate. This is not readily found on the athletic field, especially if not physically gifted.
Daniel is not alone in what he has gained from this program. The program embraces children with disabilities. I know of no other program where a child with cerebral palsy is given a dancing part or where children with significant speech impairments are given lines to express with confidence. One child with severe dyslexia was cast as a main character. She verbally memorized her lines and the excitement of her accomplishment was contagious. These children’s lives are changed forever. No other theater program in this valley will offer this to these children.
I implore you to reconsider the budget cut that will result in the loss of this fantastic program at Kirk Center. Judy I know you have experienced plays at Kirk Community Center. I hope that you will continue with the support you have given us in the past. Our children are our future, the future of San Jose.
Sincerely,
Nancy Block
Dear Nancy,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the Young People’s Theater program with me.
The City of San Jose is in a very difficult budget situation this year, as are our schools, and the State. Because of this, every City Department has been asked to submit at least 20% reduction to their budget. As I am sure you will understand, this amount of budget reduction cannot be accomplished without being felt by all programs. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services has to look at all the programs they fund in order to make this budget reduction. The Young People’s Theater program, along with other programs, will certainly be affected.
I have attended, and enjoyed, many of the YPT’s productions. I think this is a wonderful program and offers much to our children. I want to assure you that I, along with the PRNS staff, fully understand and agree that there must be programs for the creative child, as well as sports programs for the athletic child, and other programs for children with other interests.
The challenge we face is to be able to offer this variety of programs in this severe budget time. And in order to do this, it is necessary to take a strong look at our existing programs and see how we can offer something for everyone with less money. I am strongly in support of maintaining some kind of performing arts program at Kirk Community Center. However, at this time I cannot say what the format of that program will be.
As we enter what will be a very difficult budget setting time, I want to assure you that I will keep your comments in mind.
Sincerely,
Judy Chirco
YPT: Hypocrisy and betrayal? - a welcome reply
From: Tona.Duncanson@sanjoseca.gov
Subject: RE: Hypocrisy and betrayal?
Date: January 21, 2005 3:23:15 PM PST
To: rosiemac@mac.com
Cc: Judy.Chirco@sanjoseca.gov
Thanks for sharing your concerns Rosie. I know you are aware that
Councilmember Chirco agrees that this is a wonderful program. Whatever the
proposal is that will be presented at the budget study session of Jan. 31,
please be aware that this is only a first attempt at allowing for the
magnitude of cuts that the Departments have been told to prepare for. It is
by no means a final budget presentation. This is not to say that proposals
made at this study session might not be acted on, but that the process is
just beginning.
Tona
YPT: Hypocrisy and betrayal?
From: rosiemac@mac.com
Subject: YPT: Hypocrisy and betrayal?
Date: January 20, 2005 3:25:06 PM PST
To: mayoremail@ci.sj.ca.us, MayorEmail@sanjoseca.gov, judy.chirco@ci.sj.ca.us, Tona.Duncanson@sanjoseca.gov
Dear Mayor Gonzales and Councillor Chirco,
On Friday January 21st, a proposal to cut completely the YPT program will be presented to council. As on previous occasions myself and members of this community place our confidence in you to protect this wonderful program for the current participants and those of generations to come.
Should the program be cut, then many questions will be raised by myself and other interested parties regarding the integrity and honesty of The City of San Jose Parks and Rec. Senior Management Team.
yours sincerely,
Rosie Marks (SJ District 9 Advisory Board Member)
To Ken Yeager from Guy and Janet Barry
Dear Councilman Yeager:
Our names are Guy and Janet Berry and we reside in District 6, and have supported you in your present office. We have been part of the Cambrian/Willow Glen community for twenty years where we have been raising our three children who attend Bagby Elementary, Price Middle, and Branham High. We have always been very active in the schools as well as in the community.
The purpose of our writing, however, is in regard to the Young People's Theatre (YPT) at the Kirk Community Center. We know this is located just outside of your District, however, a very large number of participants come from District 6. We appreciate you motto, "Neighborhoods First" and are asking for your help. We understand that this program is again being considered in the city's cuts and we're strongly requesting that it would be removed from the cutting block on the 21st of this month. We also want to let you know how extremely important this program is to the community especially to one of our children.
As for the community, the program offers the following:
1. Many students are limited in their school schedules either by budgets or the strict educational standards, and are unable experience drama and the confidence building it does. This program helps to meet that need locally within our immediate community.
2. This program offers children another venue than sports. Not all will excel sports and their self-esteem damaged in the process. However, there are very few programs offered outside of sports which can so positively influence a child as this program.
3. YPT has endured previous budget cuts and parents of this program have been promised that it would not be cut.
4. From my understanding, YPT is self supporting. Last year it raised approximately $77,000 to make up for previous cuts. Registration fees and ticket sales paid for all expenses including scenery and sets, costume supplies, and staff salaries. The city only pays for Donna Becker and Carole Ferris-Greer. In fact the YPT even makes money for the city in that a surcharge ($8.00 and $17.00 for non-residents) from each participant puts money directly back into the city's general fund. Therefore, it does not make sense to cut it.
5. This program reaches beyond the immediate families and into the community in that it has raised over $6000 for the American Breast Cancer Society as well as collected over 100,000 quality canned goods for those in need.
6. In that a theatre was not included in the newly refurbished Camden Community Center there is no other facility set up that meets the local needs of this immediate neighborhood.
Personally and most important to us, this program has offered our son, Matt, a place where he has built his self esteem, his leadership skills, and team building skills as well as an opportunity to confidently perform in front of others. He has created numerous friendships with other kids through this community and beyond the bounds of his school. As stated above, not all children excel sports such as our son. However, FYP has been the first program of quality that has allowed him to grow in his interest of acting. It has given him tremendous confidence and an irreplaceable joy. It has taught him how to work hard and to be discipled while building lasting relationships and having fun. Our son has found his self worth in this program and is devestated over the possibility of the program not continuing. It is one place that we feel that our tax dollars are being used wisely.
We know that there are probably plans for the facility, but for the children of this community there has got to be some compromise.
We appreciated you time in reading this letter and would greatly appreciate if Councilman Yeager would get a chance to see it in addition to any assistant. Please share our thoughts with your colleagues. We look forward to your response.
Guy and Janet Berry
1760 Maykirk Ct
San Jose, CA 95124
From: "Yeager, Ken"
Subject: YPT
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 17:25:30 -0800
Dear Guy and Janet--Thank you for your email. I am aware of Young People's
Theatre and think as highly of it as you do. I was glad to read what a
profound influence it had on your son, Matt. From talking to Parks,
Recreation anbd Neighborhood Services (PRNS), it sounds like this is one of
many programs that the department has asked to trim some costs because of
the City's budget situation. The City Council doesn't vote on a budget until
June, but the City departments work on the budget proposals much earlier. We
should have more info on different PRNS proposals by March or April. Once I
have more information, I or my staff member, Tony Filice, will get in touch
with you. If you need to contact us before then, feel free to send us
another email or call us directly. Thanks again for taking the
time to write. Ken
to Judy Chirco - from Guy and Janet Berry
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 11:25 PM
To: judy.chirco@sanjoseca.gov
Subject: Guy and Janet Berry/ Young People's Theatre
Dear Judy:
This is Guy and Janet Berry your previous neighbors and friends on Benjamin Ave. We realize that we now live in District 6, but have supported you in your present office. During the election, we and many others promoted you throughout the schools and the various activities that our children attend. We have always felt that you cared about the children of this community and are known to be a good listener. However, Judy, right now multiple families are all feeling disappointed and let down in regards to the events around the fate of theYoung People's Theatre (YPT) at the Kirk Community Center. We know this is located within your District and are pleading for your help. We understand that this program is again being considered in the city's cuts and we're strongly requesting that it would be removed from the cutting block on the 21st of this month. We&nbs! p;also want to remind you how extremely important this program is to the community and most importantly to our son, Matt.
As for the community, the program offers the following:
1. Many students are limited in their school schedules either by budgets or the strict educational standards, and are unable experience drama and the confidence building it does. This program helps to meet that need locally within our immediate community.
2. This program offers children another venue than sports. Not all will excel sports and their self-esteem damaged in the process. However, there are very few programs offered outside of sports which can so positively influence a child as this program.
3. YPT has endured previous budget cuts and parents of this program have been promised that it would not be cut.
4. From my understanding, YPT is self supporting. Last year it raised approximately $77,000 to make up for previous cuts. Registration fees and ticket sales paid for all expenses including scenery and sets, costume supplies, and staff salaries. The city only pays for Donna Becker and Carole Ferris-Greer. In fact the YPT even makes money for the city in that a surcharge ($8.00 and $17.00 for non-residents) from each participant puts money directly back into the city's general fund. Therefore, it does not make sense to cut it.
5. This program reaches beyond the immediate families and into the community in that it has raised over $6000 for the American Breast Cancer Society as well as collected over 100,000 quality canned goods for those in need.
6. In that a theatre was not included in the newly refurbished Camden Community Center there is no other facility set up that meets the local needs of this immediate neighborhood.
Personally and most important to us, this program has offered our son, Matt, a place where he has built his self esteem, his leadership skills, and team building skills as well as an opportunity to confidently perform in front of others. He has created numerous friendships with other kids through this community and beyond the bounds of his school. As stated above, not all children excel sports such as our son. However, FYP has been the first program of quality that has allowed him to grow in his interest of acting. Carole has been tremendous with him as well as numerous kids. It has given him tremendous confidence and an irreplaceable joy. It has taught him how to work hard and to be discipled while building lasting relationships and having fun. Our son has found his self worth in this program and is devestated over the possibility of the program not continuing. It is one place that we feel that our tax dollars are being used wisely.
We know that there are plans for the facility, but for the children of this community there has got to be some compromise and some rememberance of past promises. We often get remarks back about police and fire but I know that keeping this program will not effect safety. In fact, it will keep more kids off the streets.
We appreciated you time in reading this letter and would greatly appreciate a response from yourself Judy. One of us may be calling in a couple days and our son Matt would like to personally speak with you if possible. We look forward to your response.
Guy and Janet Berry
1760 Maykirk Ct
San Jose, CA 95124
Judy Chirco's response:
Dear Guy and Janet,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the Young People’s Theater program with me.
The City of San Jose is in a very difficult budget situation this year, as are our schools, and the State. Because of this, every City Department has been asked to submit at least a 20% reduction to their budget. As I’m sure you will understand, this amount of budget reduction cannot be accomplished without being felt by all programs. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services has to look at all the programs they fund in order to make this budget reduction. The Young People’s Theater program, along with other programs, will certainly be affected.
I have attended, and enjoyed, many of the YPT’s productions. I think this is a wonderful program and offers much to our children. I want to assure you that I, along with the PRNS staff, fully understand and agree that there must be programs for the creative child, as well as sports programs for the athletic child, and other programs for children with other interests.
The challenge we face is to be able to offer this variety of programs in this severe budget time. And in order to do this, it is necessary to take a strong look at our existing programs and see how we can offer something for everyone with less money. I am strongly in support of maintaining some kind of performing arts program at Kirk Community Center. However, at this time I cannot say what the format of that program will be.
As we enter what will be a very difficult budget setting time, I want to assure you that I will keep your comments in mind.
Sincerely,
JC
Don't close YPT - Hannah Malin
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you because I learned that you are planning to close the theater program, YPT, at the Kirk Community Center. We joined YPT in the fall of 2004, in their production of Peter Pan Jr. We found an energetic and passionate director in Carole Ferris-Greer and an amazing staff of Donna Becker and a number of young people. All worked very hard to teach, direct, and help the children put up a magnificent show to the delight and appreciation of an audience in sold out performances.
The experience my children had during the two months of rehearsals and shows was beyond their wildest dreams. They were treated with respect and professionalism by the director and her staff. They learned a lot and they felt that they were treated like professional actors, with the utmost seriousness, both in what the director and the staff invested in them and in what they expected from them.
I know that this feeling was common to all the children. I could see it in the great enthusiasm that prevailed in the rehearsal halls and in the performances. I also witnessed a high level of parent participation. Everyone worked extremely hard to put up a colorful and excellent show. Everyone took the show and its success to heart -- staff, children, and parents alike. To put an end to a community effort like this is a grave mistake.
We joined the theater after we heard from several parents what a wonderful place YPT is, how much it enriches the children and their parents, and how much it gives back to the community at large. We joined and we found that everything we heard was true.
YPT is the only city sponsored musical theater for children. A wonderful city like San Jose cannot afford to be without a children’s theater. The arts, and especially the performing arts, are one of the building blocks of society. If the children of San Jose will have to travel to other cities to fulfill their needs to participate in the performing arts, or have to give it up completely, they will not feel loyalty to the city. Keeping YPT alive is investing in the city’s future, not only the children’s. To close a successful theater is to close a lifeline of a city. The children and their parents will feel betrayed and won’t feel commitment to their city. You should want to keep the best and the brightest of your children in the city, not have them travel to other cities to find something comparable to YPT.
I know that this is not the first time that you have threatened to close YPT, and I also know that this time the threat is very real. A theater cannot operate under the constant and continuous threats of being shut down. I know that I as well as many other parents and children will not give up on the theater without a fight. I suggest we get together and find a way where the theater can remain open to the benefit of the children and the city.
Yours Respectfully,
Hanna Malin
