On August 19 Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is set to host the second of three scheduled public meetings to discuss the proposed addition of a performing arts center at Dana Hills High School (DHHS). This meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Porthole Theater inside DHHS. According to a letter by CUSD Deputy Superintendent Ron Lebs that was sent to 900 nearby residents, visual impacts, traffic, parking and other related issues surrounding the proposed theater will be discussed.

The first meeting, held on July 15 drew a crowd of approximately 150. Those against the addition of the proposed 470-seat, 30,560-square-foot theater voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts its addition to the DHHS campus could have on the surrounding community. Some opponents expressed anger toward the school district, citing a lack of communication with the city and nearby residents, the planned building height of 55 feet—nearly doubling the 28-foot residential limit—noise and light impacts, traffic and a current lack of sufficient parking. Studies show the new arts center would require an additional 118 spaces.

Supporters say a new performing arts center is an urgently needed upgrade that would be a boon to the community as a whole and a necessary improvement over the 38-year-old Porthole Theater within DHHS. Proponents also pointed out that, evening performances would not cause undue traffic and parking problems and that in a battle between pros and cons, the pros have it, they said.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 2, 6 p.m. at the Porthole Theater inside Dana Hills High School.

For more information, visit www.dhhs.net and www.socarts.org.