The revival of the arts in San Benito County took a giant step
forward this week. Kathleen Sheridan, local artist and former
executive director of the San Benito County Arts Commission
– back when it functioned effectively – took an interest in
participating in the revival of the arts.
The revival of the arts in San Benito County took a giant step forward this week. Kathleen Sheridan, local artist and former executive director of the San Benito County Arts Commission – back when it functioned effectively – took an interest in participating in the revival of the arts. Kathleen has a wealth of experience in grant writing, participation with the California Arts Council, nonprofit management, active in the local visual arts scene, connections with the Hollister Redevelopment Agency (think money for a venue) and is a long-time resident with strong roots in the community. And she has the good sense not to take the world upon her shoulders to revitalize the arts, which is key to effectively developing an organization that will draw upon the talents within the community that want to work toward a common goal.
One local developer has expressed an interest in supporting the arts. Mainstreet Media, publisher of the Free Lance, is interested in supporting the arts through media sponsorship. A local school administrator has expressed an interest in supporting the arts. Local elected politicians have expressed an interest in supporting the arts … Hey, this could be a trend. This could be something really interesting. This could be a positive development to build a movement that will engage everyone in the community: youth, seniors, families, artists, performers, poets, musicians, authors, technical wizards, photographers, gourmet food and wine fans and you.
Yes, you who is reading this. Where do you fit within the scheme of things and what do you want to do to make the local arts scene appeal to you? How hard are you willing to work alongside your neighbors to revitalize the arts in San Benito County? Do you want to keep it local or invite professional artists to visit? What about a summer concert series? Remember that? An art and wine festival? A local talent show? The sky is the limit. Well, not really. Okay, financial resources are limited, but our collective talent and potential is untapped. And what a great diversion away from the negativity of local politics!
This week, I had the good fortune to stumble across a really interesting Web site, www.pianomagic.com. Now there are probably a million Web sites like pianomagic that endeavor to teach you to play piano, but this one features online video that shows you how to play chords and songs for one low price, $129 for a yearly subscription. I called the instructor, Michael Anderson, in Georgia and he set up my account over the phone. I have been playing piano for almost 30 years and feel that I’ve reached a plateau. I’m one of those people who “play by ear” and that is the method that Michael teaches.
I was raised by a mother that learned the “traditional” method of learning to play piano. Learning music the traditional way is all but impossible for some, me especially. So for those who have tried and failed to learn to play the piano or keyboard, this Web site may be for you. People from all over the world study piano from this Web site and I look forward to personally improving my technique. Contact me at: [email protected] if you want more information.
In June of 2002, the Water Resources Agency of San Benito County commissioned a study to determine how best to treat surface and ground water to improve local water quality. At that time, the consultant estimated it would cost between $55 million and $70 million dollars to build treatment plants and conveyances (pipelines) for municipal and industrial water use. We need to revisit that issue and find out how things are progressing. But more importantly, how will county residents pay for this investment? Invariably, through increased taxes, fees or rates and property assessments.
Since I’m always the doubting Thomas, I wonder where we are with that study, and can the private sector do it cheaper and better? Questions like this always seem to vex bureaucrats and some politicians. But we need this type of ‘check and balance’ system to make sure that the public always gets the best service and value for their dollar. In a world of Democrats and Republicans, this is how libertarians tend to think. They maintain that free markets will drive costs down through competition.
Clearly, the federal and state governments are making drinking water quality standards more stringent and this will require a significant investment in our infrastructure to meet the new criteria.
Mike Smith lives in Hollister and is interested in public policy, music and the arts.He works in the water utility industry in Salinas
