Tough Times wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:49 AM:It is going to start to hurt. Lay offs and severe cutbacks. It is time to re-evaluate many, many programs and projects.

Frm Employee wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:23 AM:Is Ms. Bashore one of the employees to be 'laid off?' If not, why not?

Gringo wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:24 AM:Obama's dirty little secrets and hidden agenda will only make things worse.

UN HUH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:42 AM:Its everywhere! Everyone must watch what they are spending including the Center! Recycle, reuse and no waste!

Escondidoteer wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:52 AM:Escondido’s bloggers are receiving exactly what they have been screaming to obtain. An empty, desolate, building at the west end of Grape Day Park. Business leaving, Arts and Education ignored, Fire Department short of Fire Fighters, tax revenues down, and projects abandoned. Hope you are proud Escondido. You will be known as the Taco Shop Mecca of the world. Carlsbad managed LegoLand. Escondido should build Taco World. Imagine the Tourists leisurely cruising down Valley Parkway, admiring the graffiti, the Grand Escondido Canyon(s) (potholes), the welcoming experience of the local Gestapo as “papers” are demanded at the checkpoint, while en route to the new downtown Marriott (No Marriot, but plenty of parking). Erect a Sign “ESCONDIDO, THE HEART(LESS) ON NORTH COUNTY”

Nina wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:02 AM:“She said a list of the positions eliminated was not available.”

WHAT you don’t remember whose lives you ruined just a few hours ago?/ but why should you, you are still paid and secure...the coo is coo-koo!!!

Center patron wrote on Oct 31, 2008 2:31 PM:Ms. Basehore, please do the admirable thing by stepping-down and allowing genuine leadership to fill your warm chair(s). Those who were let-go are now jobless in the worst time ever to be jobless. This is like a halloween B-movie complete with ax and hatchet-lady.

Norm wrote on Oct 31, 2008 2:51 PM:Since they have eliminated their artistic staff, it is clear that Ms Basehore and the city want a nice conference center, not a performing arts center. I can't imagine Live Nation or AEG will want to go in there. So in the future - No more press, no more acclaim, no more audiences. Just a nice place for Rotary Club meetings and banquets. Good job, Escondido!

Donor no more wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:37 PM:Sure seems like old times for Escondido's "Heartless Center of North County". Once known as the "Jewel of North County" and Escondido's "White Elephant" can now take the title of "Titanic" and fly a flag of distress for all to view the sinking ship. Congrats Ms. Basehore, you've finally guided the Center to financial ruin. How soon can we expect finality?

anne wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:01 PM:good grief Escondido...how many years and how many layoffs are you going to allow this person to continue perpetrating? I wonder if the people who she axed found out about it before they read it in the paper...last time she shut down the education department and the museum, we weren’t so lucky - we got to read it in the paper before we were told at work. She keeps saying and doing the same things. WHY doesn’t ANYONE insist that SHE be laid off? She obviously isn’t doing HER job correctly if the deficit just keeps showing up year after year after year. This is the solution she uses time and time again. Why were those two departments reinstated when the center was still hurting? Why keep hiring when there is no money and no good possibility there will be revenue increase. Every time there is a layoff it is always something else other than her inability to plan for the future...9/11, fires, economy...never any attempt to plan ahead, practice frugality, take pay cuts, shorten work hours, ...no, just wait until it is dire and then layoff everyone except the person controlling the purse....Glad I don’t have to live in that city and watch tax dollars going to support ... incompetent management of a wonderful institution that has been laid to waste and destroyed by fiduciary irresponsibility.

And still she continues wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:31 PM:The job positions probably aren't listed because the press release went out and was published before the actual layoffs, it's happened before. For years Ms Basehore has been a dismal failure in her job and why she continues to be employed at the Center while other employees have lost their jobs is a mystery. Regarding this article Ms Basehore's quotes are the same old lines just printed over and over again.

Cotton Ballz wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:50 PM:Dude! Now Wally can have the Jaycees Men's Nightout ,pancake breakfasts,& meetings with the Jaycees sister city ummm... let's see wasn't it Tiajuana or was it Ensenada? Jaycee's can fill a room,all 20 of them!

Just close the doors until they need to open as a soup kitchen.
You think letting go of a few people is going to make this looser profitable? You're dreamin' wake up from the nightmare vote all incumbents OUT!

GOODBYE ABED GALLO

gagabedgallo
google it

Another Former Employee wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:44 PM:There are two constants in the drama that is the arts center: the place has ALWAYS had a deficit, and Vicky Basehore has been in charge of the finances. Her decisions and her senior managers (three of whom were discarded this week) have been responsible for the failure of the institution. Each year she has something to blame. The "economic downturn" has nothing to do with these layoffs. They are actually due to bad programming, bad marketing, and inept fundraising - all under the direction of Basehore. Rather than focus on revenue generation, Basehore reopened the museum (a money-sucking failure) and switched focus to free events and a roster of performances doomed to failure. A lot of current and former employees (like myself) gave their lives to make the place successful for very low pay because we believed in its mission. It is the staff who ultimately pay for the mismanagement that has been allowed to go on. Vicky Basehore: do the right thing and step aside and allow for someone to come in and turn the place around. You tried. You failed.

To Gringo wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:57 PM:I've printed out some material for you about Hayden Lake Idaho.

Since your name is Paul and you blog as Pablo and Gringo - I presumed that you would like Hayden Lake. I figure it would be right up your alley! ...

Shame Shame Shame - not a very good role model.

To Gringo wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:59 PM:Gringo's Heros: George Wallace and Lester Maddox

Volunteers wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:10 PM:Absolutely appalling the way the Arts Center has booted gifted employees who have given so much like my wife and I.
Well,no more. Our observation since we began ushering at The Center is a clear one. Ms. Basehore undoubtedly is not the right person who should be in the driver's seat for this or any other "train wreck".

Blog Fan wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:33 PM:C'mon people. There are obviously several comments from people who work inside the operation, know who was laid off, and other details. That's what the new world of newspapers is for, peeps. If Vicky and the paper can't say what positions were eliminated, why doesn't one of you say it? Ten janitors? Ten Vice Presidents? Is there anyone left besides VB to run the place? Do tell.

Floyd wrote on Nov 1, 2008 1:15 AM:So if we sell the Center for the Arts, will we be able to staff the new fire engine?

Roger wrote on Nov 1, 2008 6:45 AM:Perhaps Vicky Basehore should step back and look at what she's made of California Center For The Arts, and then resign.

Center Patron wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:36 AM:To Another Former Employee, well stated! I have attended many events at the Center but stopped buying tickets because the quality of shows has declined. I didn't even bother to open the season brochure this season, too depressing. I've heard the same comment from my friends, and co-workers and these are people who supported the Center and were season ticket holders. They did not stop attending shows because they could no longer afford to buy tickets or because it was an election year or because of the numerous other excuses given by Vicky Basehore they stopped buying tickets because there was nothing they wanted to pay money to see. After all this time the city council and center board members should have figured out that the ongoing failure of the Center is a direct cause of its leadership. Ms Basehore needs to resign.

Artsyrat wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:28 AM:Frustrating how one prson can ruin it for so many others. This is true in all walks of live, one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Sounds like Basehore is a rotten apple. Hmmmm, someone else is already showing signs of looking like a rotten apple...let's see....... Obama! If he gets into office, all the worms will begin to surface and our country will be in real trouble!

Snubbed Volunteer wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:18 PM:Snubbed..this is just the way we all feel after hearing(second hand) one of the center's veteran employees was included on the ax-lady's chopping block. I have been a volunteer at the center since the beginning in 1994 and have never worked with a finer individual such as Alan Corbin, the center's house manager and volunteer coordinator.Alan was the first person to call me after losing my husband a few years back. Alan is the only reason I stayed onboard as a center volunteer. If you are reading this Alan please know we will all miss your golden smile and sense of warmth and know how you are loved by us and the community.
I too old friend will be leaving.

Fmr Employee wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:52 PM:Of course we (former/current) employees know who some of the 'laid off' people are, but...the NC Times cannot take the responsibility for printing those names and being sued. The word will get out, since there is quite a 'grapevine' of former employees that get the info from the current info! But I have heard, 3 Senior Staff and 7 other employees received the axe!

Problem solved...not wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:38 PM:Vicky(PLOM) Basehore could fire everyone else at the Arts Center and guess what?
More innocent, loyal, hard working people will be without jobs and Vicky will continue to sob at the staff meetings in effort to gain empathy from her surviving 99% female staff of peers. PLOM= Poor Little Old Me

Arts Management wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:06 PM:Here's a Q for former employees--didn't the City Council recently change the whole model of what CCAE does? CCAE used to book all the acts (all the ones the patrons don't like, in the comments above). Now, they just manage the center facilities so that artists and events can use them. If that's the case, why fire the primary front-of-house operations guy? He's the only supervisor left that you need--you don't have to spot talent or create events anymore do you?

Another Former Employee wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:52 PM:Yes, Arts Management, the city council did change the operating mode of the center after the failure of the current leadership. What was the failure? Booking shows nobody had heard of, and bad marketing. With the elimination of the performing arts department and two staff members in marketing (a third one recently resigned sensing impending layoffs), Basehore and her board have essentially given up on the institution. Someone in higher authority than Basehore should look at what happened with the turnaround of the performing arts center in Miami. They brought in a turnaround team and are now on solid footing (in less than a year).

Another Former Employee wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:55 PM:The positions that were eliminated were: director of marketing, director of performing arts, museum director, marketing projects manager, and house manager. The three directors were senior management - all hired (and fired) by Basehore. I don't know the titles of the other eliminated positions.

marsha wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:24 PM:Opps - my bad - the got rid of some ladies too... but new ones - can't have new blood - they might want to change things...the old ones are STILL around and in charge!!!!

Dave S wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:20 AM:Hi to escondido , i visited there for a week in 07 , i have to say about arts center , i,m afraid its the same over here in england uk arts centres loose money heavily and are susidised by tax payers so its not just ESCONDIDO /i enjoyed my stay there great weather you have DAVE

GET IT RIGHT wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:44 PM:You need to talk to the "Board" -- they direct everyone! Do some digging..find out who the "Board" is..everyone will be so surprised! Maybe direct some comments to the "Board".

Missing wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:59 AM:So why keep the new people that just started there and get rid of the old ones? We have all been there since the beginning..but darn..the new ones can stay..and they let us go! What is up with that?

GIVE US A CHANCE wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:58 PM:WHY HIRE NEW PEOPLE INTO POSITIONS WHEN YOU DIDN'T GIVE US A CHANCE? WE'VE BEEN LOYAL, SUPPORTIVE, ETC.

Count Us Out x4 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:12 PM:We carpool together(ushers) and have all voted... we're out!
You layed-off Alan??
Are you delirious or don't give a hoot.
I know Alan(house manager) started there as a volunteer in 1994 the year before us and was always very supportive and a very giving person to the center both spiritually and financially. After all these years we deserve an explanation other than economic downturn. This man ran the facility for Christ's sake.

Clouded minds wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:21 PM:Do you have amnesia, Ms. Bassehore or have other things distracted you? Perhaps election time for City Council?
Let's not forget the voyers in-waiting(senior staff) of the axe-lady's hey-day.
Ms.Basehore's private council consists of the Director of the General Fund and last but not least, the one who keeps the blade sharp for any given moment..the Director of Human Resources

All is Calm wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:22 PM:All is calm before the storm they say.
The dust should settle after Jan'09, only cuz' the fake snow will fall regardless of payroll expenses, Ms. Inscoe. Yo-HO-Ho(another flop due to yet another Nutcracker, same day,same wknd?)This(extreme amateur production) isn't even a Center sponsored event and it is being allowed to take presidence over the City's, The Center's, and The City Council' Holiday Tree Lighting Event

Former Former Former wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:26 AM:Now watch out..the other building where they hold the daily events..is next! and we know who needs to go there!

The Cash-Cow wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:56 PM:How is it that the artistic staff and volunteer coordinator was let go and yet the conference center was left completely unscathed?? Still on-duty with a full compliment of servers,the director of center sales(who does nothing without Ms. Basehore's approval)is still there. Think about it.
Oh, I get it. That's the department which requires no thought process, initiative, drive, or personality from the center's president. You see, there is no other facility in north county to compete with the center's conference center which accommodates (duh) the conferences and sit-down meals. But wait, it only gets better..isn't the City taking away the conference center from Ms. Basehore? Answer...yes! So why is Ms. Basehore allowed to be paid for even less responsibility? Answer: probably not for long!

School Performances wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:40 PM:Being a divorced and single parent I was pleased in the past with some(not all) of the center's educational school performances. I must say most of the performances were not educational yet had a tendancy of leaning more toward just another playday or "kids day off".
After reading,hearing,and listening a bit more closely it seems the arts center is fast becoming a voalitile firing zone and one of which I don't really care to subject my kids. Taking into consideration all the various wars and fighting going on I honestly have been trying to instill peace and harmony into my children's everyday life with hopes of this being their ultimate focus as well as they grow older. The arts center needs leadership with fresh ideas at least something more conducive so the community doesn't have to get involved with the internal politicking.

Fmr Employee wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:50 PM:To "The Cash Cow"...if there is no hotel, Ms. Basehore will probably get to keep her conference center. And, just to clarify a point - no one at the center makes any decisions unless Ms. Basehore approves. And if someone does have a good idea and proceeds without her blessings, you stand a good chance of getting into trouble. I know that for a fact. So look at who is left, and you can see why not much gets done! Remember: The meek shall inherit the center!

FMR EMPLOYEE 4 TIMES REMOVED wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:44 PM:Why was no one from the conference center let go? The captains all run it..they don't need a manager! Let's get tuff and get rid of all upper management! The meek have arrived!

megan wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:43 PM:WHAT a joke that place has become. The current management is the same as the past management. The queen isn't dead, but she reigns over a dying palace. The only difference is the board. There are more on than past years and they are more useless, if that is possible. Without a board that has the fortitude to demand a complete overhaul of top management the bleeding will continue. Without a working board there is no chance of success.

Girls Gone Wild wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:54 PM:I thinks so!
Ding-dong almost all the male employees are gone...
This and only this will make the entire remaining female senoir staff(99%)of the arts center happy and fulfilled.
OOOPs!, are they leavimg ourselves wide open for..you know what...oh but not to worry, the city of escondido will send the calvary's legal team. Yahoe!!

Were Just Volunteers.. wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:17 PM:...that's it and that's how we feel once the capricious decision of Ms. Basehore hit our kitchen table(newspaper) we finally new for sure just how things were being unjustly run at the center for the heartbroken arts center.
How appropriate, the day of the dead celebration which commenced 10/31/2008.
So-long to all you good people.
A very special bow to Mr.Personality(Alan) who somehow managed to greet everyone who came through the doors as though they were the only face in the crowd. You will be greatly missed our friend of the arts! What a loss.So Sad!

the song remains the same wrote on Nov 8, 2008 11:56 AM:Of course Rubesha and Basehore "think" the Center can function without a Marketing Director, Museum Director, and PA Director. These Directors built their programs--employed vision--and strategy with no support, no money, and no vision from either Rubesha or Basehore. These Directors represented the only true "vision" or "strategy" the Center had. If Rubesha or Basehore had any of the above qualifications, layoffs would have not been necessary. Let's call it like it is--two talking heads with no qualifications to do what they are doing. And by the way, those 10 employees included 4-5 current vacant positions--hardly the same thing as laying off an actual employee. The song remains the same--until the City recognizes the lack of presidential Management going on at the Center, the Center will degenerate again into a useless organization. For every time Basehore hires someone who actually knows how to do his/her job, she lets them go to cover her own head. God knows she can't do their jobs or her own for that matter--hence the appointment of another unqualified person--Rubesha. In the meantime, she'll groom another lifer who will do the job for less and with less than stellar results.

correcting a blogger wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:02 PM:Since the former Museum Director was hired, actually, the museum hasn't run a deficit in 4 years. Basehore's not going to mention this though for it wouldn't justify her choice to get rid of the Director. Same with Marketing--they had no budget to exceed. Don't blame the people laid off--look elsewhere and above them.

rvpresents wrote on Nov 20, 2008 8:09 AM:I have read all of the comments with dismay. How could a venue which represents hope, beauty and community become such a vestige for negativity.

In these economic times of budget cuts the arts center should work to become a community asset. It should be an organization where the community finds solace and relief from the daily news of our economy, it should work with PD and community organizations to help keep unemployed youth off of the streets, it should be a place where community is built not destroyed.

The arts center has impacted so many people, residents of Escondido. How many children graduated college or are just better people because they grew up in a community that supported the arts. The arts center needs to build off of that social capital and trust.


The economy is truly tough right now, that is real (my employer is cutting 30% of the budget). Now is the time to make the art center an important tool in the community for economics and as a gathering place.

Move-on. Keep the arts alive in Escondido. The CCAE is truly a remarkable complex that has been and can continue to be a real asset for North County.