8. Educational and Cultural Centers         Home

    When people talk about "protecting their way of life" it needs some interpretation. The lifestyles and priorities of one section of the city may be entirely different than those of its neighbors. I would hope that education, cultural centers and community events are common quality of life issues for most if not all RPV citizens. Whether it is an RPV icon such as the Palos Verdes Art Center or an outstanding Peninsula venue such as the Norris Center for the Performing Arts we need to encourage and highlight their existence. In the case of the PV Art Center the use of some part of the Upper Vicente area for their expanding needs is definitely warranted.

      An interesting case at this time is Marymount College which is in the midst of a facility enhancement process. This includes new library and athletic center space as well as residences to house 260 students. Students are currently housed at two sites in San Pedro, over six miles from the campus. In 1978 the RPV Planning Commission approved construction of a 200-student dormitory on the present college campus but the permits have
now expired.

     Those who oppose the plans have raised some legitimate questions. The initial study by the firm hired by the City to complete the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) noted that on-campus housing would reduce traffic and the project includes plans for noise abatement, security and avoiding view blockage plus additional parking. Neighbor's concerns-especially those concerning student residences on campus-must be heard and appropriate accommodations made but we should also consider what a small college has contributed to our community's quality of life for over 40 years.

     I support the Marymount College plans for making the educational experience of its students much more rewarding and a policy that actively promotes other educational and cultural entities such as the Palos Verdes Art Center.

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