We need places for positive energy | Napa Valley Register

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We need places for positive energy

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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Dear editor, as an adolescent I can honestly tell you there is not a single friend I know that has not complained of how boring Napa is. After feeling brought down in a place that seems to only cater to the needs of its tourists, big dreams of city life seem like our only getaway. That’s not to say Napa isn’t beautiful, but it certainly fails to meet the needs of its locals. What this town could use is a public cultural/art space where creativity can be encouraged and inspired. There are so many people overflowing with talent, but you wouldn’t know that because there is no place for it to be displayed.

Napa has good intentions, but instead of focusing its efforts on the addition of more luxury resorts and high-end restaurants it should look to nurture its inhabitants. It’s a pity to see so many empty buildings in Napa that have been closed down for a variety of reasons. I say let’s put these spaces to good use.

I constantly hear adults complaining that the new generation is reckless or simply stupid. While stupidity is part of humanity, you may call us reckless because we are filled with energy. Unless we are presented with positive venues to channel that energy, it will go to waste.

Maria Gonzalez / Napa

51 comment(s)

Little Lord Fauntleroy wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:43 AM:

" So stop complaining and put some of your so-called "energy" to good use. You have presented no ideas thus far. "

selim wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:46 AM:

" Maria, what you seemingly possess in energy you clearly lack in creativity. Every time I hear a teenager complain about how boring Napa is, I think about what a shame it is for someone so young to have no creative drive. If you don't have the passion for a hobby or an extracurricular activity now, you're going to end up being a very bland citizen in the future. Get off your rear and do something.

I find it ironic that teenagers are always telling adults to stop bossing them around...until, of course, they're bored. "

sprklsunshine wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:20 AM:

" It is not the responsibility of the city (or ANY city, for that matter) to entertain you. "

Leavintown wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:35 AM:

" Oh my god. Give me a break. There is a river in the middle of Napa. These kids could go fishing after school and on the weekends. Take a 3 day course in hunters education, and get your hunting license. Go hunting on the weekends. That is what I did when I was a kid and I never got in serious trouble either. When I go fishing or hunting, I always seem to stay away from trouble too. Get these kids outdoors more. Now that I am older, I try to get kids outdoors with me as much as I can. "

alixzander wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:20 AM:

" to everyone:
Maria Gonzalez has been working her butt off to make Napa a better place for youth. she is in student government at her high school, she is a member of wandering rose, she has been getting involved with activism, supporting local music and art, and she took the time to write a letter to the editor.

i can't stand it when the adults claim that the youth cause trouble, and then when the youth tries to explain their side the adults don't listen! how about instead of insulting maria, you try listening for a change?

Maria isn't alone. a youth revolution is occurring in napa! thank you for your letter! "

steph wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:26 AM:

" Maria--
When I lived in SF, there were several art shows in parks where artists brought easels or tables and displayed their works, most of which were for sale. I even bought some reasonably-priced etchings on a student's wages, which I recently had professionally framed. They're beautiful and totally original! Maybe you and your friends could go to City Hall and organize an event like that here in Napa. Kind of like the "art" sales you see from time to time at the Silverado Plaza, except with locally-produced REAL art? That would be fabulous, and there is no reason a teen couldn't organize it.

Of course, there are other things teens can do like volunteer work and paid work and homework. I don't mean to be condescending. If it's any consolation, we were all bored as teens--even teens who lived in cities. The adults are often really busy trying to make a living so we can provide food, clothing, shelter, and extracurricular activities for our (bored) teens. God willing, you'll understand one day. "

Raven wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:08 AM:

" so you have all this creative, positive energy and yet want someone else to come up with ideas of how to channel it....sigh..the irony of it all "

mone1960 wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:20 AM:

" Once again this generations sense of entitlement shows its ugly face.
"Unless we are presented with positive venues to channel that energy,it will go to waste."
For gods sake,create your own venues,do something for yourself instead of asking for everything to be handed to you.Instant gratification is all this generation understands.
I grew up in this valley and never had a problem finding something to do. "

napabicycler wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:22 AM:

" Good luck with that youth revolution. "

hummingbird wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:35 AM:

" I can't believe that the negative comments sound so immature. They sound like spiteful,reckless children making fun of Maria for speaking out. Yes, there is a dirty river, is that the hub of the city where we should go everyday to share our art? We have poets, painters, musicians and other emerging artists. They ARE working together to bring forth what they need, but as they try they get the "Native Napans", the "Wise Learned Napans", and the other napans who instead of offering help offer insults and negative feedback.
With some Frustration,
The grape picker of napa valley "

prunepicker1960 wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:49 AM:

" Oh Maria. I am so sorry. I have never seen a more dreadful collection of boring adult comemnts to a letter. I am here to tell you that you are right. this town has historically ignored teens. But, its nothing new so the fix won't come quickly. As a young person you don't have the wallet to rent a building let alone remodel it to use. All I can say is sorry. Please look for the small changes you can make and continue to ask for the help of adults. Many adults care about you. "

featherkid wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:10 PM:

" first of all, why are people assuming things about her life when you don't personally know her? Maria is definitely getting involved, and writing a letter is simply demonstrating that she needs help along with the rest of the youth in getting things rolling. and isn't writing this letter a point of action for awareness?
She is brave to have taken a step out of her high school and now getting involved in the community.

Sometimes adults don't take the youth seriously. (thus the first few comments).The youth are asking the adults of Napa to talk to other adults in "power" to help create a place for the youth. I believe one must consider the definition of a community. A community must work TOGETHER. That means everyone must do their part, including the city which i don't doubt can help a whole lot if they took the local youth serious.
I dont think i know a teen in napa who has enough money to rent a space for the amount of creativity that locals have to express. I believe the approach may be for financial help.

And that comment about fishing and hunting in napa..... some of the youth may see that as animal cruelty. Personally, killing animals is not a positive energy i would teach the youth. "

Raven wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM:

" again why not take that positive energy and create the venues for it...why wait for someone else to do it? "

oneworld77 wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:54 PM:

" From a local boy's point of view, I resent the comments made after Maria's letter.

Nothing short of predictible, the 'you live in a tourist community, sack it up' attitude is precisely the problem.

Let's look at the facts- Kids don't go anywhere public to hang out, because they are run off by Napa's finest. Restaurant selection for those of driving age to 25 has a large void in the middle- either go to tacobell, or save your lunch money and take your friends to Cuvee. No money? No desire to fratenize with old ignorance? Such shall the tradition perpuate... vandalism, running the backroads in cars packed with kids...Positive?

Enter the oxbow- Great place for a hangout!! Too bad it closes at 8. Taylors? Same story. Downtown? Nothing is open. Where do you suppose you'd send your kids? Or maybe that's too long ago...

What I am saying is that these remarks made by those with short memories are the very problem.

It is no surprise Napa treats its locals they we it does- We are the renters until the real money comes in... harvest... buying condos on the river...wine train...wine auction...fund raiser this, fund raiser that. There is no local pride in a community that has had this problem since I was a kid (and compaints from clients date back much farther), and everything from a teen-hangout to a dance club for the slightly older still remains amiss. They all come and go, no thanks to the monopolizing landowners here in town.

The simple fact that this letter was written in such a diplomatic, napa-pride manner and still received the old fuddy-duddy comments it did, reiterates the imbalance. "

tsgets wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:57 PM:

" maria,

Go buy a bike or a skateboard...then go ride it. If you can't afford it, I'm sure the police department has a ton of lost and found bikes you could work on to get going. Or go hike in a park. Get a job. The problem with youth is that their attention span is about as long as their young age. All the things above will be great for your health and pull you off of those corruptive tv's and computers games. But, I'm sure they are all "boring" to you as well.

Oh and by the way. Duck season opened last weekend. I'm looking forward to all of my donated conservation dollars to pay off in the Napa Sonoma Wetlands this weekend. After all, hunters, especially waterfowlers are the high contributors to wetland conservation (reference Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl Association). Both assocaitions are returning, or have returned, the leslie salt ponds back to natural habitat.

Last point...hunter awareness teaches youth about gun safety and gives them an activity that is proven to occupy their time and keep them out of trouble. If they are concerned about animal cruelty...well like all the comments above, it's just a matter of opinion. "

Pharper wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:41 PM:

" I don't know about you and your friends, Maria, but I've loved growing up in Napa. My mom always says that only boring people get bored. I've always had plenty to do, so maybe you should look harder. "

noblindershere wrote on Oct 28, 2009 3:05 PM:

" Maria- I appreciate that you took the time to voice your concerns yet I'm in disbleif that you can not find anything to do in Napa. I'll assume you are a student and when I was a student my school activities, part time job and homework did not allow me anytime to be bored. Both our public high schools have so many programs that offer plenty of involvement after school and on the weekends, it sounds as though you need to look more in depth at your school campus. "

gordon huether wrote on Oct 28, 2009 3:33 PM:

" Congratulations Maria for having the courage to step forward and express your concerns about our community. I believe Napa is a great place to live, even for the youth but we can always do better and with your help we will.

I have to say that as a teenage I was also bored out of my mind and I lived in San Francisco! My point is teenagers are bored wherever they are!

Do we need a community center in Napa FOR Napa including the youth ? You bet we do. Let's work together and make it happen. I'm easy to find.

Again congratulations on stepping up, we need more of it! "

Sharon wrote on Oct 28, 2009 3:35 PM:

" To many typical responses from the adults here. One adult recomends getting a job. Ummm HELLO jobs are far a few between in this current economy. Another couple of adults advocate hunting. Well some people do not think that hunting is fun and some parents do not allow guns to be handled by their kids. Another adult says skateboard or ride a bike- Can you read? there are signs that say don't do that here or there, and have you not been paying attention to how unsafe the roads are for this activity? Sure they could do some school activities, but that is not going to cover all 7 days of the week. These kids are our future and as a community it is our responsibility, to a point, to help create locations and activities that people and kids of all income levels can afford. Napa no longer allows kids to hang out in parking lots to socialize. Napa discorages sidewalk skateboarding by harrassing many skateborders. Napa has only one FREE open air park that allows bike riding. Not all bike riders like to go off road. And again, I for one know how dangerous all of us Napa drivers are and how well we "share" the road. So come on Napa get real and help our youth. We are so busy trying to not take responsibility that we often forget children need our help to implement their ideas. They can not do it all by themselves. "

nowandzen wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:25 PM:

" The reason for writing this letter was not to complain, rather raise awareness to the fact that we do need a public space.

I am smart enough to not take these comments personally, but I do think that your comments show a negative relationship with people who try to voice their opinions. Like featherkid said, we are part of a COMMUNITY. so why do we act like enemies?

Trust me, if I had the money to rent a venue, I would, but wouldn't it be better if we all offered some sort of help?

And do to all those who think I'm bored...I'm definitely not, because I've decided to keep busy with efforts like these. Fortunately, I know of many people who are devoting many hours to keeping all art forms alive. I have a lot of hope for Napa, and I know that while there are many people who may oppose my views, there are also plenty of individuals who share my hopes for the future of Napa. :)
Thanks,
Maria "

oneworld77 wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:52 PM:

" I would just like to add how relieved i am that people who need something to do are being handed guns- What a great solution... seriously! Who wouldn't want their child investing time and money in destruction of living things (except of course if they are donors, who are excepted...bravo!).

You want a proposed idea? How about the city of napa buying the old vallergas on Imola and investing in our future? No, better yet scratch that and let's buy a half-an-hour's worth of fireworks for 4th of July... Best million we've ever spent! I know I like to see things blow up and make big noise.

Besides, a couple times a year we rope off the whole downtown for businesses to cater to adults with money and even block off bridges once in awhile- Can't these kids just enjoy what we do for them? I mean seriously, who do they think the wine train is for? And we gave them a skate park, can't they just go home after dark and read Ann Coulter books? Kids nowadays are so ignorant.

I'm just happy my tax dollars are not helping the poor and needy too- I couldn't take spending money on my community AND helping people in need. People need to fend for themselves. That's what makes people great!!

Sound about right Napa? This is what we sound like!!

Maria, I salute you- If you can't read through my sarcasm, I will clarify....I am a supporter of Maria's letter 100% "

Councilmanmott wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:55 PM:

" Maria,

I'm not sure if your still in high school or not but there is a leadership group from Napa High called LAYLA that shares many of the same concerns as you and has decided to take action to provide a venue as you describe. They are working with the school district and the City on a Public cultural gathering space and performance center at McPherson School/O'brien Park. This is completely youth driven. They are also representing their neighborhood at the Association of Napa Neighborhood group i work with. If you are interested in joining them or forming and working on a similar type of project I'd be happy to put you in contact with those who are guiding them. You can reach me through City hall. "

So It Goes wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:58 PM:

" Maria,
Thank you for writing this letter.
I sometimes just like to see the words "positive" and "energy."

Just a few words like these can be refreshing after hearing and reading many terrible things in the media.

Thanks bunches! "

John Richards wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:22 PM:

" Maria, you seem to have a very limited understanding of how things get accomplished. Put your money where your mouth is. Rent one of those empty buildings downtown and put in the art gallery you want. Chances are, it will go broke very shortly... "

John Richards wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:28 PM:

" featherkid wrote: "The youth are asking the adults of Napa to talk to other adults in "power" to help create a place for the youth."

And how would it be financed? You dreamers are always leaving out the critical parts.

By the way, those who don't like to hunt or fish have plenty of other volunteer opportunities, like driving seniors to their doctor's appointments, or picking up trash from the river banks. "

Napagrrl wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Some of the comments from kids make it seem that Maria is a great young woman and that she is already involved in school and other activities. Taking her comments at face value, it seems that she and/or some of her friends and fellow students have a artistic bent and just wish to have a place to display their work. I have a couple of thoughts. First, if these creative teens have artwork they want to display and maybe sell, maybe an empty store in the Town Center - especially through the holiday season - could be made available. If the landlord knows a store will not be rented within the next few months, why not donate its use to these kids for a while and see what happens? Second, if these kids would like a place to work on artwork, maybe a more industrial type of space could be made available. Sort of like the "paint your own" ceramics shops that come and go in Napa only with, say, a pottery wheel, paints, easels, running water and so on. The kids could pay a fee for the use of the space if they bring their own supplies or pay for the use of materials. I don't really know, I'm just throwing out ideas for someone else who is smarter and more creative than I am who can "run" with them. "

krusty wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:26 PM:

" Maria, what about using public space such as parks or city buildings to display your artwork? That might require a little imagination from our city officials but maybe with enough pestering and complaints from many other young people, the city officials will do their best to help you out. Since people visit city buildings and public park frequently, it would be a great way to draw attention to the art some of our young local residents are creating. "

two-cents wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:56 PM:

" It used to be that "nay-sayers" were about a dime a dozen,.. it seems the price has gone down considerably.

Maria, your idea has merit. The only (constructive) criticism I would offer is this - to obtain community support you must be community minded. In other words, don't limit your solution to exclusive groups. Whether it is teens, tourists, or aging locals - we're all people and there are many people who would enjoy and benefit from a creative outlet or a place to view the creativity of others.

One of the most enjoyable field trips I attended with my child was at Jessel Gallery where the kids participated in a painting lesson and created hand-painted Fathers Day cards. The environment was welcoming, the lesson was non-threatening, and the results from every child were amazing.

Take Mr. Heuther up on his offer to pursue this further. Artists and creative spirits come from all walks of life - there are others in the community who support and share your vision.

Best of Luck! "

hummingbird wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:44 PM:

" I pick up trash, remove debris from the road, help people in wheelchairs, bike, rollerblade, and volunteer, but that is not what my life and other people's lives are ALL about. We are humans, we have emotion, expression, creativity, connectedness... and we need to make sure our youth embodies these qualities and shares them with our community without feeling ignored, insulted, frustrated, and marginalized. This is not just about the "ignorant short attention span teen", it's about our youth...
it'a about everyone else too,our minorities, our elderly, our men, our women...all who want to share their humanity with the community.
Thank You Maria! "

Old Time Napkin wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:06 PM:

" Maria, your comments are the same as kids had 35-40 or 50 years ago in Napa. "There's nothing to do in Napa". I believe you can be as active or as bored as you want. Your own motivation is the key to making things happen.
I have a suggestion for you. As memory serves me I think there are positions on the Napa City Parks and Recreation Commission for young people such as yourself. Check with City Hall for meeting dates. They are open meetings and you can see for yourself how the system works. If it looks like something that you would like to do to advance your cause, then fill out an application. Being appointed to this commission may be the best education you can have concerning the opportunities offered by the city,county and private groups for the youth of our community. It's all up to you. "

shareathought wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:45 PM:

" It is ironic that a letter with this title: "We need places for positive energy" is met with so much negativity on this NVR site (it has nothing to do with the writer).

I agree that: "Napa... certainly fails to meet the needs of its locals. What this town could use is a public cultural/art space where creativity can be encouraged and inspired. There are so many people overflowing with talent, but you wouldn’t know that because there is no place for it to be displayed." I also agree that "Napa... should look to nurture its inhabitants." And that without "positive venues to channel that energy, it will go to waste."

The need for useable site/s has been voiced by all-aged-adults (not only the adolescents), for decades. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:13 PM:

" I'm bored!

Now, That's creative!

C'mon Maria, so what is that you (and those who believe you are 'the one') want, again? "

EWitt wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:08 AM:

" I think what bothers me is that a lot of the adults on here suggest that young people get off their butt's and ride a bike, join a team or participate in extra curricular activities for entertainment. Adults are not satisfied with simply studying, exercising and working, so I don't think you should expect teenagers to either.

At times during high school I was taking a full load of classes (which included college classes), and was participating in the NHS swim team 3 hours a day after school, yet there were still many times (mostly on the weekend) where I was bored and would have enjoyed a place to hang out with other young people.

I definitely agree that if such a place were to be created, it would need to be strongly driven by youth, but we simply do not have the experience or the funding to do this on our own. I do not think this is impossible to build, just look at Petaluma's Phoenix Theater. It is a place which gives young people something exciting to do. Napa could really benefit from a place like this. But it seems that our young people do not know how to create a place like this, and nobody else is willing to help us out.

So yes, you can complain about us not being creative enough or you can encourage us to be so. "

oneworld77 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 2:23 PM:

" I hate to say it, but we generally believe that how we grew up was exactly the best way to grow up, and if you didn't get what you wanted when you were a kid, then why should anyone else? You came out just fine, right John Richards?

If this attitude prevailed, our world would be upside down. No one would care for the handicapped... Humanity would be called socialism...Doctors, who should be paid the least for employing compassion, would instead be rich men who decide who lives or dies- Money too would run good teachers out by prohibiting them from helping the communities they love, because they could not afford to live on the wages- Elder care (listen up John RIchards) continues to become more and more costly, with less and less volunteers available. Programs for those with special needs would be cut in order to provide money for special interest groups and federal defense aid. Communities would care only for the old ignorance with the money, instead of investing in the future... children. It would be the land of the golden rule! (he with the gold makes all the rules)

Oh wait...

Do we have to be painted red as a socialist to take care of our community? To help those in need? To give time to the have-nots? To help... period?

The good people are being drowned out by this attitude of selfishness...

A solution to this unfilled need will be found with or without us as a community- It is just easier to blame kids for their need to channel energy than it is to understand that we can AFFECT their growth! "

shareathought wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:57 PM:

" Miss Gonzalez, you mentioned that the youth need a place to be
creative; I was reminded of a place that might work to meet some of the needs.

There is a small company in town called Napa Valley Activities located at 1755 Industrial, Suite 24 (around back), off the north end of California Blvd. The woman has a rented warehouse/space in which she holds creative activities for children.

You might want to contact the proprietor, Vicki @ 226-1418, then, go by and visit. Maybe it could could evolve into something for you and other creative youth.

Again, just a thought. "

diehard4ever wrote on Oct 30, 2009 5:58 PM:

" As easily as we are bored, we are entertained. Trust me. If you're really creative, you'll find something to do. Napa is PERFECT. "

Bubblywine wrote on Nov 1, 2009 7:35 AM:

" Maria-
As you can tell from some of the very mean-spirited comments, you are absolutely correct...there is a need for a place for positive energy. The people who comment on Napa Register articles could benefit from such a positive place...many of them are mean, bitter, cruel, stupid, and thoughtless. Please do not let them bring you down. Continue your quest. But also develop some ideas, or some proposals...I don't know what kids your age want or need. We had parks and backyards, and we organized ourselves into neighborhood ball teams (no adults, no "soccer moms", just us kids). "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:48 PM:

" When I was a teenager, my creative outlet was music composition. I never sought "space" for my creativity because that space was inside the house I grew up in.

I'm guessing that things have changed since I was young. For sure, I hung out with artists and philosophical thinkers. But we never needed a "place" beyond the borders of someone's home.

Of course, we were hobbyists. Our culture has grown beyond creativity for fun, into the realm of creativity for commercialism. I would have never dreamed of a public outlet for my level of creativity as a teen. I'm beginning to feel old. I just don't get it! "

alixzander wrote on Nov 3, 2009 7:04 AM:

" vocal-de-local, what venues in Napa is a musician suppose to perform at? there isn't a club exclusively for good youth orientated concerts! and when one tries to throw a show within the confides of their own home the police are always called because we have bad noise ordinances that hamper music! "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:43 AM:

" alixander, you make a good point. I love the expression of arts, trust me. But the reality of the economy dictates that we must be resourceful and consider other alternatives.

Also, If youre referring to loud music like in a rock band, most of these groups start out in a garage, practice until they are very good, and then take it to the streets or find other venues for their performances. But a musician has to work hard to arrive at the place of being "good" before they can present their talents. That's the natural order of things.

Also, if someone is performing loud music late at night, then yeah, someone's going to complain. Same thing will probably happen even if the space is in a commercial building.

If artists are still at the extremely amateur level, is it really necessary to have a public place to exhibit their works? Shouldn't they be taking classes through the recreation dept?

There is that in between stage for artists, the place between being an amateur and professional, though. Artists at this stage do need encouragement from their peers. But "places" cost money. Who pays?

There's a community center over by the highschool in Napa. I'm wondering if you can arrange to use that space. In other words, look at the resources we already have and find a way to use them first. Once you become established, then you can move outward? "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:13 PM:

" I will say this, alixzander, I do think that this County lacks a sense of artistry. Everything revolves around the wine industry. And when you do see art, it's the type that either belongs in a museum or it's too expensive to consider purchasing.

I briefly visited your wandering rose website. I'm trying to figure out whether the goal is to commercialize art or to have a place for young people to hang out, or a little of both?

What I wish for Napa is a wandering place where young (and old) people alike can express their artistry, either through music productions or art fairs. During the colder months this becomes more challenging because it must move inside. Can you work with the City of Napa on this project?

Sadly, one of the recent "youth" only events that my son attended (at a movie theater where the owners generously opened their doors to a rock concert venue), the teens started moshing. The band members were too drunk to perform longterm. The place was forced to close its doors early.

Unfortunately, this is why Napans so frequently express concern with youth oriented projects. There are liability issues involved. They want reassurance that any youth oriented place will not become a magnet for gang members and those who just want to party.

I'm all for the expression of art, as long as it's safe, realistic in it's goals, and doesn't encourage a sense of entitlement in our youth.

In order to be "Safe" you will need responsible adults at the helm. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:25 PM:

" One last thing:

In my generation, we used grange halls for local band performances. Someone would rent them and then charge an entry fee to make a profit. I'm not going to lie about it. These places were a big party house and sometimes things got out of hand. I won't go into detail, but often, the renter was left with a huge task of cleaning up.

Our society has changed alot since then. We now live in a lawsuit happy society. You cannot even find swingsets on playgrounds as much anymore, because someone might fall of and break a bone.

Your obstacles are not a result of popular opinion from the people of Napa. They are directly related to a lawsuit happy society. Landlords do not want to be sued when a mosher lands on his back. The way we partied in our day was mild compared to today. So it's a double whammy involving increased risk and fear of liability.

I'm just being truthful here. "

alixzander wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:53 PM:

" yo,
1. i envision a space where that could be utilized by people of all experience levels.

2. it would be paid for several ways. options include trying to get a space donated, find buildings that are interested in interim use, find a wealthy art enthusiast to sponsor, grant money ect. we are going after it from several angles and it all invloves things such as wirtting propols and addressing liabitliy. some of the ideas you suggested are exactly what we are doing.

3. i attended that show at the cameo (by the way the cameo had shows in the past under previous ownership as well). i was bummed out that they shut it down. the band was good. it was refreshing to see a good high school punk band. i had no problem with the moshing. moshing is just something that happens at rock shows. its fun. its a way to let out energy, connect with the people around you while enjoying the music. its a cathartic experience. many other clubs allow moshing so there should be a way to address the liability aspect. i understand that there are liability issues in terms of underage drinking (i am straight edge for the record meaning i live a sober lifestyle).but i would only point out that instead of drunk supervised kids in a building, you had drunk unsupervised kids outside. i had a chance to chat with the singer/guitar player from that band Instant Gratification sometime after the show. he is a nice kid. lots of his songs are inspired by social injustices such as seeing homeless people in Berkley mistreated. it is so important for kids like this to have an outlet to express themselves. its really for the community's benefit. "

alixzander wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:56 PM:

" oh yeah, and you might know that the grange is currently being operated by a new committee. this committee is passionate about reviving the grange as a community space again. two wandering rose members are actually programming officers at the grange. they just had a wonderful halloween event. there are plans for more concerts and art shows in the future. keep posted! "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Alixander, my son is a musician. He's a super dynamic 19 yr old. I may have him contact your organization because I do agree with you that teens inside of a building rather than outside wandering around on the streets is probably a better option. I'll tell you right off hand that my son would like to see an improvisation night where talented young people can get on stage to be "spur of the moment" creative.

Regarding moshing, I wouldn't allow it to happen, even if it is an outlet of sorts. My oldest son ended out in a moshing situation, involuntarily. Sometimes they just pick up people in the audience and start tossing them around. It can be a violation of personal space, to say the least. Smaller people are targeted more often. It can become abusive which is what happened with my son when he was in his younger teens and at a school function. The stupid adults sat around and did nothing to stop it even though my son was begging to be put down. They were tossing him as far into the air as they could. I personally would not allow any moshing to happen at any function.

If you're going to take this challenge on, you really do need boundaries. Boundaries are good. They teach self discipline on some level. Everyone needs boundaries, especially some of the younger people today who lack any real boundaries in their day to day lives. Too many young men today lack a father figure to define the boundaries and then they go out there in the world and try to force the world to define those boundaries. So do be careful. "

thoughtank wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:12 PM:

" Maria, you are very cool and very brave young lady for putting yourself and your opinions "out there." I love your letter and your comment! Many of the people who comment regularly on this forum are, unfortunately, extremely negative. Good for you for not taking their comments personally.

This community does need more things for young people to do. I think the former Copia building is a perfect spot for a venue that serves youth. It's centrally located and has great access to public transit.

Imagine a place where young artists, musicians and other creative types (and that includes most young people) could come together and enjoy fun, challenging activities in a safe environment.

I sure hope you continue in your quest to see your idea become reality. Not only will the community of Napa be a better place, but it would address the issue of having something positive to keep our young people out of trouble and engaged in creative endeavors. "

alixzander wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:43 AM:

" we would love to have your son get in touch with us. feel free to contact olivia (one of the founders) at olivia@wanderingrose.org. thank you your insight! "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:32 PM:

" Copia is a great idea for location. They have a theatre with seating there. My son was one of the very first performers ever to play at Copia (in a group situation). It's a perfect size too because it's not too big, not too small. You could zone it off so that other parts of Copia cannot be accessed. You could also have teen movie nights, improvisation nights, percussion pow wow's etc. There is so much potential.

If there is a kitchen in the near vicinity, you could have volunteers making sandwiches, specialized coffees and beverages, or hot chocolate. Take the proceeds and put it back into the organization for future concerts.

Copia is the place. How can you make it happen? (I'm probably an old timer by your standards but I'm still excited by the possibility!).

Do you think that you should limit entrance to people of a certain age? I worry about twelve year old kids, dumped off to be babysat, without much supervision. One idea is to limit entrance to those who have a drivers licenses?

Who technically owns Copia now? This could be a win win for Copia as well because it would bring energy back to the place. What starts out as a venue for young people could evolve into other venues of different types. "

craigmingus wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:48 PM:

" Funny how the conversation has not changed in over twenty-years. I remember being on KVON, while in high school, with some other students to talk about the severe lack of youth oriented programs that were not sports related. Back in the late 80s Napa was more focused on its residents but older residents at that.

As I return now and then I see the drastic changes being made around Napa and how the town caters more to the tourist dollar instead of the local resident dollar. I see how the downtown business district is merely a ghost town thus explaining the reason why people travel to Fairfield or Concord to go shopping at the malls. I see a town that is being poorly run by the City Manager and how some streets are so congested during rush hour, they rival Los Angeles or NYC.

Maria has a strong point and it's typical for the feeble minded to lash out and say "it's not my problem", and of course it's not your problem but instead of taking that stance why not man up and create something for the youth of Napa to do.

Sports is fine when the parents are not getting too insane about their child constantly having to win (you know who you are people) and hunting is great but not everyone wants to use a gun. If the schools worked more with City Hall I am certain a city-wide volunteer notification program can be setup. How many organizations out there could use a little help and also be willing to teach the youth a little about giving back or how a business is run. "

craigmingus wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:51 PM:

" The Lions Club used to have "Shadow Days" were members would take high school students to work with them for a day to open up their minds about what is out there for a career.

Too bad the City Council turned down the B.A.R.T. extension years ago, remember when that happened, to allow the people of Napa mass-transit access to the Bay Area. There is plenty to see and do in the Bay Area but unless you can drive you really can't get anywhere; and yes the mass-transit in place now is fine but is limiting.

Complainers putting this young woman done need to step back and look at themselves in the mirror for once. Take the initiative to create change or shut the hell up and stop being so small minded.

Maria...my hat is off to you! "

John Richards wrote on Nov 11, 2009 12:59 PM:

" oneworld77 wrote: "If this attitude prevailed, our world would be upside down. No one would care for the handicapped..."

What does all that have to do with after-hours cultural events?
The point is that taxpayers are totally tapped out. If you want to start some new service, you will have to provide the new funding source. Government money doesn't grow on trees. "

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