Comments on: RIP, Center Theater; long live Afghan Theater

By: Gus Morrison

Gus Morrison — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:20:35 +0000

One of the basic precepts of the original General Plan for the new city of Fremont was to preserve the historic character of the original districts. We have done that pretty well (and, Tony, remember Warm Springs too.)

The various community business associations have taken leadership roles in enhancing their communities and sponsoring special events. The city cannot legally sponsor events tied to religious observations and, practially, with the number of religions represented today in Fremont, probably couldn’t afford to do so.

I would guess that we can find things to gripe about that are real, rather than what we wish might happen.

By: west

west — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:33:41 +0000

Posts 12, 15, 16,
What you are seeing is a complete lack of leadership from our elected officials they are so busy stuffing commissions with there supporters, and remember they are just part timers!
Our elected officials lack the Vision, Innovation, Leadership with the possible exception of Anu

By: Fremont Voter

Fremont Voter — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:18:18 +0000

VOR said “Oh, but wait, I know, no money for that sort of thing. That works so well for anything you don’t want to do.”

….except there’s plenty of money for the WOW stadium scheme. That money could have been used for tree trimming, road fixing, and more.

Oh, but wait, it’s from a different pot of money and you can’t touch those stadium money.

By: VOR

VOR — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:01:28 +0000

TonyG said. “…its almost like each is still its own little district.” Not almost like Tony. Each is it’s own. Each has at least one, if not more, business associations. Also, take a look at the banners hanging on their street lights. None attempt to incorporate the city name, just their district name. This is something else the city should be doing, a comprehensive marketing plan. Oh, but wait, I know, no money for that sort of thing. That works so well for anything you don’t want to do.

By: TonyG

TonyG — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:34:04 +0000

Fremont will never be a considered a WHOLE community. I was at the recent Niles Xmas parade and there were many people watching it.

This is something that the City should be doing instead of each individual district. In fact, its almost like each is still its own little district. I think Fremont swallowed more than it could support when it incorporated Niles,Centerville, Mission San Jose & Irvington back in the 50′s.

By: Larry Sweeney

Larry Sweeney — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:37:08 +0000

Anyone who cares about Fremont, and that should be all of us, has to hold Dirk Lorenz as a shining example of an involved, active and caring citizen. Dirk epitomizes the generous and civic-minded business owner that we strive to attract and keep.

You may disagree with some of his proposals, as is your right, but I think we would all be hard-pressed to find any business owner or Fremont resident who is as selfless and engaged as Dirk.

I have witnessed first-hand Dirk’s unprovoked and continuing willingness to help raise funds and awareness for our schools and community while at the same time asking for nothing – not even recognition – in return.

Dirk Lorenz is as solid a citizen as we have. Period.

By: Fazlur Khan

Fazlur Khan — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:06:57 +0000

To quote Dirk at #2 at the bottom of his comment.
” I have 4 years left on my lease and you can bet I am waiting to see where I can find the real synergy and create the store and retail experience. I am capable of creating. One that can be supported economically”.

He is a failed fixture in Centerville for 27 years and similarly in Fremont Chamber of Commerce and talks about
the Center Theater.

By: Marty

Marty — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 20:18:44 +0000

I honor of Dirk Lorenz, I am not using paragraph breaks in the following post:

I often hear complaints about Niles receiving an unfair portion of redevelopment funds, especially when compared to funding for an arts center in Centerville. My take is that the city leadership believed that Niles had paid their dues patronizing and sustaining smaller arts-related offerings (like the silent film theater, rail museum, etc). I think the city pays attention to this, and as Dirk says attendance has to be demonstrated before the money starts to flow in. Say what you will about the redevelopment of Niles main street being unfair. Many more than expected attended the live musical performances at the Niles town square this year. I can’t imagine the same result in Centerville. At least there is not an organized and effective effort to demonstrate that an arts center there will be fully used.

By: VOR

VOR — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:35:45 +0000

Dirk, it is a given fact local municipalities cannot build this type of facility on their own. Corporate sponsors, and the naming rights that go with it, must be approached. I’m not sure we have corporate deep pockets within our city limits that could qualify at this time. NUMMI was one of our major community sponsors. Lam as well, but they seem to be in transition. Our newbie, Tesla, isn’t quite ready yet and Solyndra is currently in retreat. Once again we seem to be stuck on our historical sites rather than thinking new.

By: californiaguy

californiaguy — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:34:17 +0000

Derk,
I am confused. The Center Theatre is no longer available, why are you talking about what should have been, that is all gone now, down the drain, right?

I am not suprised, but the good news is that the
“San Jose Center for the Performing Arts” is only 20 to 30 minutes away, they have the very best version of the NutCracker in Northern California.
Derk is right about a goal of revenue nuetral is the target. The San Jose Performing Arts is Subsidized by the Fry Family, Specifically John Fry.
I do not think Fremont has the leadership to ever have a Performing Arts Center