When profiteering becomes more important than poetry/literature in Los Angeles.

I'll let these e-mails I received speak for themselves.  And I've already sent e-mails concerning this subject a few minutes ago.

First, from Amelie Frank, Beyond Baroque board member:

Dear Everyone:

Here's the 411 on the situation.

After years of hard work on the part of Fred Dewey and others
advocating for Beyond Baroque, City Councilman Bill Rosendahl agreed
at the end of fall 2007 to extend Beyond Baroque's lease of the
building at 681 Venice Blvd. for another 25 years. We on the Board of
Trustees went off into the holidays relieved that the issue had
finally been resolved and that Beyond Baroque's homestead was secure.

I was stunned to learn last night that last week, Councilman
Rosendahl was informed by City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's office
that the City Attorney wants to put the lease to 681 Venice Blvd. up
for an auction process for other non-profits to bid on. This despite
the facts that:

1) It is generally up to the City Councilman of a given council
district to determine how city property assets are parsed out for
public use;

2) 681 Venice Blvd. has been Beyond Baroque's home for nearly 40
years;

3) Beyond Baroque's staff and supporters have put their time, money,
and talents into not only keeping up and improving the building and
its facilities, but also into beautifying its landscape.

This new snag may be Mr. Delgadillo's way of playing politics with
Councilman Rosendahl, but he has ordered a hearing to decide the
matter NEXT TUESDAY. That's right. Rocky gives us until Tuesday,
February 19, to do something about this.

We need to take action NOW.

Please send an e-mail to City Councilman Bill Rosendahl
(Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org) to thank him for supporting the 25-
year lease renewal for Beyond Baroque and to let him know that you
support him in his battle to keep Beyond Baroque in its rightful
home. IMPORTANT! Be sure to cc: the City Attorney
(Rocky.Delgadillo@lacity.org) on your e-mail. Large numbers of e-
mails WILL get their attention. It does not have to be a long e-mail.
You can personalize it by adding a few words about what Beyond
Baroque means to you as a resident of Los Angeles.

If you aren't from L.A., please tell them that Beyond Baroque is an
important reason for you to keep coming back to Venice and to Los
Angeles. If you are from out of state or out of the country
altogether, please talk about how you know of Beyond Baroque's
outstanding reputation and why it's important for Los Angeles to
protect and sustain its only literary arts center.

Be polite and supportive so that both parties understand that keeping
Beyond Baroque exactly where it is is a positive move that benefits
everyone.

Do this tonight or tomorrow. The hearing is on Tuesday.

I thank you for taking action.

Much love and in solidarity,

Amélie Frank
Member, Board of Trustees
Beyond Baroque

And here's a letter from Beyond Baroque head Fred Dewey, passed along by Jerry Garica of Valley Contemporary Poets:

This is a rare, if not unprecedented email from the VCP regarding another poetry venue in Los Angeles.  
Posted below is a letter from Fred Dewey, Executive/Artistic Director of Beyond Baroque.  


Alert - A Call For Community Action

HELP PROTECT
BEYOND BAROQUE,
LA’S HISTORIC INSTITUION!

After much effort on everyone’s part, our Councilman Bill Rosendahl recommended
a 25-year lease extension for Beyond Baroque to the City General Services Department.
 
Unfortunately, it now appears the City Attorney is recommending against an extension.
 
We are now in great peril.  Our lease is up in a few weeks and uncertainty is threatening
grants, programming and our entire future.
 
Please express your support to the Councilman, ask him why this is happening, and what
he is doing to protect Beyond Baroque.
 
Beyond Baroque is a vital and historic national institution and has been LA’s only literary
center for four decades. Please do not let it be destroyed.
 
Here is the contact information for Councilman Bill Rosendahl:
 
Councilman Bill Rosendahl
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street
Rm 415
Los Angeles,  CA   90012
(213) 473-7011
(213) 473-6926 (fax)
Email:  Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org <mailto:Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org> 
 

Tags: Los Angeles poetry, Amelie Frank, Fred Dewey, Beyond Baroque, Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo