June 9, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What do you think of the Gaslighter Theatre being turned into a Las Vegas style ultra lounge?
(Asked at Kirkwood Center)

“That's interesting, but so sad. They should keep the theater as it is because it's the only one besides the one in Mountain View that is left. It's a downtown [Campbell] masterpiece. I'm not happy about it.”

Maryam Lacerda
Campbell
Homemaker


“I think it would be a neat idea, but it depends on what is done with the décor. I feel like they should keep it the way it is and keep it as the Gaslighter Vaudeville Theater. It would be a fun idea though.”

Sue Warner, 63
Campbell
Secretary


“Without having an exact picture of what a Las Vegas ultra lounge might be, I have to say I love the Gaslighter Theater the way it is. I've always enjoyed it. It's a silly, funny, raucous, but not too raucous place. I planned on taking my older kids [ages 10 and 8] there, even the 2-year old would love throwing popcorn, but now I can't.”

Heidi Mohs, 37
Campbell
Certified personal trainer and homemaker


“Not in Campbell. It doesn't add to the historic feel of Campbell. It takes away from it.”

Summer Bales, 24
Campbell
Retail sales


“I hate to see it go. It's a classic, an end of an era. I don't think too much of the lounge idea. We've got another one around the corner [from the Gaslighter ] that draws a big crowd. There are too many bars in Campbell."

Terry Chapman, 58
Los Gatos
Engineering manager


“I'm not sure I like that. There are lots of people that go to casinos, but Campbell is not that kind of community. It's a family oriented community with lots of children especially around the Gaslighter Theater. It's just not the place for that kind of thing.”

Michele Chang, 42
Campbell
Tax Accountant


"I'm not sure that it's a good idea. It comes down to what the interpretation of an ultra lounge might be. It makes me think of an upscale but slightly racy venue. Racy is okay, but I'm not sure that it fits into the physical location in Campbell. It's not what we need in downtown Campbell. Our downtown is missing restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and an eclectic collection of antique stores. The lounge idea sounds like it represents an older crowd, that's not what I think we really need in downtown Campbell."

John Zornes, 45
Campbell
Sales


"I don't think it's a good idea because that's where most of the high school students hang out. We probably won't be able to go there now, and I don't agree with it being turned into a lounge."

Elizabeth Rendon, 18
Campbell
Graduating senior from Westmont High School