WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR, OR TAKING DONATIONS!

ANY MONEY DONATED ON CHANGE.ORG GOES DIRECTLY TO CHANGE.ORG AND NOT TO THE CANOGA PARK YOUTH ARTS CENTER.

The Canoga Park Youth Arts Center (CPYAC) at 7222 Remmet Avenue has been a cornerstone of our community for over 25 years.  It is a vital safe haven for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens, and is the only city-funded arts community center on the west side of the San Fernando Valley operated by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs.

We have learned that this vital institution is at risk of stopping all programming due to devastating budget cuts to its part-time instructors. With all of the current government cuts to public programs and assistance, we believe that it imperative, now more than ever, for our Civil Servants to provide quality low-cost to-free programming to the children and members of our community.

The loss of these passionate instructors and their programs would be a devastating blow to our neighborhood. Without the CPYAC, our community will lose:

• Essential Programs: After-school art and music classes, Summer Camp, art exhibits, and workshops will cease to exist.
• A Safe Space: The center provides a safe, constructive environment for teenagers and young people, providing them with unique artistic, and cultural experiences within their community.
• A Hub for Connection: Students and residents will lose a vital place for social interaction.
• Local Economic Support: The center benefits local businesses by drawing foot traffic for its events and programs.

We, the undersigned residents of Canoga Park and surrounding areas, call on city leaders to reverse the decision to defund the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center.

We urge you to:

• Allocate the necessary funding to ensure the center can continue its operations.
• Explore alternative solutions that preserve this invaluable community asset.
• Engage with the community to find a collaborative path forward.

WE BELIEVE THAT OUR CITY SHOULD INVEST IN, NOT DIVEST FROM, THE SPACES THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE.