[Occupymendocino] Article by HOward Ennes

[Richard Karch]

Howard  didn't ever mention the article he wrote in 2009

Still applicable!


Photo: Former Footlighters Little Theatre, now owned by MCTV. Connie Korbel photo.
Fort Bragg Advocate Community Forum October 8, 2009
Footlighters: A view from the sidelines

By Howard Ennes
For half a century Footlighters Theater brought the coastal community a touch of down-to-earth family fun and in doing so earned our sincere thanks. So it was with confusion and sadness that I learned that in the name of Footlighters a lawsuit is pending against MCTV, our public access television station. It appears there is some question about the validity of the transfer of the Footlighters Theater property to MCCET (the former name of MCTV) several years ago.

In my view, the Footlighters at the time took proper and responsible action. The reputation of the Footlighters was safeguarded, their deteriorating property brought back into use, while the quality of life for the entire community was enhanced by the strengthening of MCTV. After transfer of ownership, MCTV substantially repaired the property, expending over $100,000 to do so.

Even if the suit does not reach a court trial, the expenses of legal preliminaries, depositions, and the like, are estimated to approach $50,000. MCTV is important to much of our community life, not only for its coverage of civic meetings and its many local productions highlighting our young people, our history, our events, but also for the mentoring it provides to local youth and adults.

This lawsuit is a sad situation and, it seems to me, entirely unnecessary. I feel it is incumbent upon those of us who value the performing arts and are concerned with public communications to speak up. We should make our concerns known to friends and neighbors, to public officials, to our legal and real estate associates, and, in particular, to Footlighters participants with whom we are acquainted, who could be encouraged to rebuild their organization and to find a new locale for their performances.

It is difficult to see how destroying MCTV will further the interests of the people dedicated to the Footlighters. We should focus our energies and creativitiy rather then let them be consumed by the destruction this lawsuit represents.

Fort Bragg is in the process of redefining itself, MCTV and Footlighters are among those who should be working together toward a new and more vibrant community.

Howard Ennes is a Fort Bragg resident.




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