I have no artistic ability except for my talent at drawing "stick people," but I can recognize what art brings to our community. I've seen the studies about how exercising that portion of our brain only enhances our other cognitive abilities in math and the sciences.
I read the articles and watched other communities who embrace and encourage the arts see the monetary impact (all for the good) in their community. More importantly, I've been able to witness firsthand how the arts can improve the self-esteem and social interaction of adults with disabilities, teenagers who are able to express themselves in a socially acceptable way and let out pent up emotions through their art, and adults who are battling a life-threatening disease share their journey with others in a moving and profound way. All of these aspects of art are needed in our community to truly make us a community.
Measure Y would enable Allan Hancock College to upgrade their art facilities (some classrooms and facilities are 50 years old and badly in need of repair). It will also enable upgrades to their sports facilities and an equipment purchase for PCPA in Solvang. This measure has far-reaching effects for both the Santa Maria Valley, Lompoc, and Solvang. Measure Y will also wipe out the remaining debt from the previous Hancock bond measure, leaving us with just one to pay off and show up on our tax bill. As a taxpayer, that sounds like a win-win situation to me. I hope you will join me in supporting Measure Y.
