PAC Sues For RDA Funds

The nonprofit organization running the center has been successful in bringing arts and entertainment to downtown Livermore, a city just east of the San Francisco Bay Area.

But the elimination of redevelopment agencies in California may severely impact the PAC’s ability to fund a planned 2,000-seat regional theatre.

LVPAC awaits the outcome of a lawsuit seeking to retain more than $120 million for the regional theatre, money that was earmarked before the agency elimination.

The Livermore group has secured a loan of up to $475,000 from the city to help continue funding of two showcase venues: the downtown Bankhead Theatre and Bothwell Arts Center art space.

“In terms of wear and tear, it has made an impact,” Alexander told the Contra Costa Times. “I’m not running away from the problem; it’s just time to do something different.”

Alexander will be temporarily replaced by interim executive director Tom Mitze, most recently ED of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation.

Mitze tells the Times he will remain on board until the lawsuit is resolved and a full-time ED with local ties can be found. “It’s a 60-hour-a-week job,” Mitze told the paper. “Until they can solve the issue of the regional theatre, you don’t know what that job’s going to be.”

The 500-seat Bankhead Theater has upcoming shows going forward, with Keiko Matsui, Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Cyrille Aimee on the books.