Footlighters: A view from the sidelines

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.

Jeanne Duncan
Fort Bragg

EDITOR - The public access station MCTV is such a Mendocino Coast Treasure. It would be a real shame (on Footlighters especially) if we were to lose this valuable communication service.

I have relied on MCTV to show speeches and films of interest to the community throughout the past few years and realize what a serious loss it would be to not be able to see the City Council and Board of Education meetings, public events including graduations and parades, and local history and other programs of interest. In addition, the various meetings and organizational announcements are helpful.

I hope Footlighters will rethink its real estate grab, especially after its earlier generous contribution of this building to our local television station.

Susan Nutter
Fort Bragg

I'm mad. Because our wonderful and only local TV station, Mendocino Coast TV, which has many great projects in the wings to include more and more community members and events, isn't able to work on them because of the frivolous lawsuit they find themselves saddled with. I have a particular interest in one of those projects: the possibility of having occasional KZYX interviews videod for cable TV. The progress of our community TV is being led up by this frivolous lawsuit; additionally, they face possible hige attorney fees that may go on for years.

The reality is that the Footlighters is moving ahead, continuing their performances in another venue. They got rid of an aging, mildewed, smelly, rotting , cold and clammy building in a gracious way and were thanked by the mayor of Fort Bragg for their gift to the community.

Elizabeth Swenson came into it and with great effort, raising money for its minimum improvement, created a vision for this structure. Now that the building has been upgraded - those folks want it back?

Why aren't they grateful that Elizabeth and her staff have given this community such a wonderful venue? Aren't they part of this community too? Think of all the school events, the ability to see and hear debates on important political issues, having a front row seat. I know many senior citizens are grateful for this way to connect with their community affairs.

What is this about? Where is the justice in all of this? Can't this be stopped?

Janie Rezner
Fort Bragg

EDITOR - Wanting to "set a few things straight", Junice Gleason succeeds only is raising questions (and eyebrows). Ms. Gleason says she has served on the board of the Footlighters since 1999, but if she opposed the transfer of the rundown building to MCTV, why did she wait until after the building was renovated to voice her opposition? If the board of directors changed its mind about ringing down the curtain on the Footlighters, why did they stand idly by while costly repairs were undertaken?

If the Footlighters wish to return to the stage, they might consider using Eagles Hall, Cotton Auditorium, or some other site. I used to attend Footlighters melodramas, and though talent was meager, enthusiasm was not. However, should the board prevail, I will never attend another performance. Public access television with its coverage of city council meetings and other gatherings is, in my opinion, much more important than the Perils of Pauline.

John Fremont
Fort Bragg

EDITOR - It is a real loss to Fort Bragg if the lawsuit brought by some members of the Footlighters against MCTV continues. The waste of money and time pursuing this action is a devastating drain on both organizations. MCTV knew nothing about the conditions or plans of the Footlighters until they (MCTV) were approached by their (Footlighters') representatives. Non-profit organizations are responsible for electing their representatives, keeping good records of their activities, paying their bills, paying for the upkeep of their properties, and meeting regularly to avoid the possible condition of abandonment. Just what was the situation with the Footlighters, MCTV did not know; but after careful consideration of the offer to pass ownership of the historic building from the hands of the Footlighters to MCTV in a legally approved manner, MCTV accepted. MCTV is now paying for the repairs, the taxes and upkeep of the building. Why did the Footlighters wait three years to bring this suit? Where were they when it happened? The milk has been spilled, and even if it is returned to the bottle, it is ruined. Footlighters' reputation for integrity will be ruined and MCTV will disappear from the Fort Bragg scene.

Jane Vartanian
10-year member of MCTV

EDITOR - Saturday I attended the opening of the C.V. Starr Community Center. It was an inspiring experience: hearing the saga of how community members worked hard to get the center built and how community came together to make it a reality. And it's an awsome reality, one which will change the lives of many of us on the Coast for the better.

The same is true about MCTV. For the last ten years (since I've lived in Fort Bragg) I've seen how this organization has struggled and worked hard to make MCTV a viable asset for the entire Mendocino County. When I heard that the Footlighters had looked to donate their building to a nonprofit group who would repair and nurture it (it was in great disrepair), it was obvious that there wasn't a more worthy group then MCTV.

The building of the C.V. Starr Community Center showed us the best of our community; how we can work together for positive change.

The ex-Footlighter members vs MCTV debacle is an example of the worst of our community. I agree with Marianne McGhee's recent letter to the editor that this is a sad waste of time and money. We, as a community, should demand that this end now.

Linda Jupiter
Fort Bragg

EDITOR - My parents Jim and Linda Gleason (Conner), along with the rest of the Footlighters, helped to purchase the building at 248 E. Laurel three months before I was born. I was two weeks old the first time I was ever on the Footlighters stage. I performed as a Can-Can girl during my teenage years and started taking larger parts in my adult life. I have been on the board of the Footlighters since 1999 and on record with the Secretary of State as such since 1999. In no way am I a new board member.

The fact that I have a California Real Estate License really has no bearing on this situation.

I represent the entire Fort Bragg Footlighters when I say, nobody will be "unjustly enriched" if the building goes back to its rightful owners (The Fort Bragg Footlighters). I seems to me that Ms. McGhee is very misinformed from what she wrote in her letter last week. I just thought I should set a few things straight.

Junice Gleason, President '09
Fort Bragg Footlighters

To the editor;

I am shocked and saddened to see the news about new Footlighter officers trying to grab the old Footlighters building from MCTV, after all the repairs have been completed and the value of the building is substantially increased. And then to demand damages from MCTV for accepting the gift of the building and fixing it is unbelievable!

While it was sad to see that Footlighters could no longer afford to keep up the building and produce an entire summer of shows, it was wise of them to give up the building to such a worthy organization. MCTV is a vital community resource, keeping both locals and visitors abreast of what is happening.

It is even sadder that MCTV must try to raise $20,000 to defend itself and no local attorneys are able to help. With the economy like it is and the fact that MCTV runs on a shoestring, it may well be forced to give up the fight before it has begun, without even knowing all the names of those people involved.

It appears to me that the only unjust enrichment will be to the real estate agents and attorneys who profit from this injustice. Please join me in making a donation to MCTV in the hopes a fair hearing will be held and justice will prevail.

Marianne McGee