What does Imperial Beach have against, "The Art Kids of San Diego County" ?

Imperial Beach, CA Friday, April 13, 2012

For nine years now, "The Art Kids of San Diego County," have been using the pier park plaza for their art lessons and as of Friday the 13th they have been told they cannot use any public parks to have their classes. Supposedly due to one complaint from an unknown source.

"The Art Kids of San Diego County," (TAKOSDC) have done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment. They have in fact served the community for the past nine years by working with the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District, the Women's Club of Imperial Beach, various small businesses throughout the city and young people who want to learn how to paint, draw, sculpt and learn photography. TAKOSDC painted business windows throughout the seasons without any compensation for their labor or their materials. The most recent project they did for free was a 8' x 5' banner for the, "Bark for Life," event which helped the cancer society. TAKOSDC not only painted the banner but supplied the canvas and the paint for this event.

TAKOSDC has done a number of free services by face painting during community events, open houses and for Halloween. All for the good of the community. What do they get in return is not a thank you for the great work that they have done but instead a slap in the face from the city. After talking with the city concerning this issue, the director of TAKOSDC related that the city of Imperial Beach turned a deaf ear about the notice of violation. Not only did TAKOSDC get the notice but it was also given to the property managers of the director's apartment. This alone caused a great deal of problems and could have the Director of TAKOSDC to be evicted from his living quarters. The city of Imperial Beach required TAKOSDC to get a business license from the city when TAKOSDC did a mural for the city. Now they are using that business license as part of the violation. So TAKOSDC is required a business license yet they are not allowed to do business in Imperial Beach.

We have done nothing to the city of Imperial Beach and yet they seem to enjoy causing problems for our group. We have always stepped up and helped in any community event when asked. The kids take pride in what they do for the city and the art that helps so many of them. This violation makes no sense at all and is taking away the kids rights to learn art.