From: Creative Arts
Date: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Subject: RE: Downtown Theater Foundation for the Arts
To: , ,
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Cc: Lori Wilson , Kris Lofthus , Kris
Lofthus , Wanda Williams
Re: Concerns Regarding Theater Operations Contract Approval Dear Members of the Fairfield City Council,
We, the Creative Arts Collective (CAC) Board, are writing to respectfully express concern regarding the City's approval of the theater operations contract awarded to Mr. David Rodgers.
As former partners in the establishment of the Creative Arts Collective, we believe it is important for the City to be fully informed of relevant history prior to moving forward.
Mr. Rodgers previously served as president of the Creative Arts Collective (DBA Harbor Arts Center at the Suisun Harbor Theater), a nonprofit arts organization co-founded with Dr. Tia Madison. During his tenure, questions arose regarding financial management and the misuse of organizational funds for personal endeavors. The board conducted a review and observed expenditures that raised significant governance concerns. When financial clarification and a formal meeting were requested, the opportunity for resolution did not materialize, and Mr.
Rodgers departed the organization abruptly. 90% of the CAC funds were withdrawn from the account within 24 hours of his resignation from the board, without clear documentation supporting those actions, and the organization faced considerable operational disruption as a result.
While a formal legal process did not proceed, not due to the absence of concern but due to governance limitations inherent in early -stage nonprofit board oversight (we trusted Mr.. Rodgers and did question his governance), the experience underscored the importance of strong transparency, accountability, and due diligence in arts administration.
To further clarify, while concerns were presented to the District Attorney's office, legal proceedings did not advance (and our board was so broke that we could not afford to pursue them through the civil courts). This was not due to a lack of substantive issues but because the DA could not reasonably delineate between Mr. Rodgers' actions and the board's unintended compliance. As a young nonprofit operating on trust rather than rigorous oversight at that time, the board's reliance on Mr. Rodgers's leadership complicated the legal distinction between his financial decisions and board awareness. As a result, the case could not move forward under those circumstances. (See document attached).
We offer this information not to malign any individual, but to support the City in making an informed decision grounded in due diligence, fiscal oversight, and responsible stewardship of
public cultural assets. Effective theater management requires a proven record of transparent leadership and sound financial governance. Unfortunately, the Harbor Theater in Suisun City serves as a cautionary example; under prior management, including ",fir. Rodgers' involvement, operations deteriorated, the facility became vacant, and significant capital investment is now required to revive the space. Our nonprofit has worked diligently to regain stability and fulfill its mission in the aftermath of those decisions. We urge the city of Fairfield to safeguard its theater operations by carefully evaluating experience, history, and management practices to protect the long-term success of this important community resource.
The Creative Arts Collective is not aligned with, nor seeking to position itself against, any of the theater organizations that have submitted proposals for this contract. Our concern is not competitive in nature. We stand with the broader theater community and its commitment to sustainable, ethical arts leadership. Our sole purpose in raising these concerns is to help safeguard the future of community theater in Fairfield and the region. We do not want to see another theater struggle or close its doors due to preventable issues such as mismanagement or financial impropriety. The goal is to ensure the long-term health and vitality of theater arts in Solano County —not to influence the selection of any specific operator.
Thank you for your attention and for your ongoing commitment to supporting the arts in Solano County. We are available to provide documentation or answer follow-up questions if needed.
Respectfully,
The Creative Arts Collective Board
Harborartscenterl5(a gmail.com
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Susan Cavazos
28 Third Street
Spreckels, CA 93962
cavazossue@)gmaii.com
707-592-1549
November 1, 2025
City Council of Fairfield, California
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council,
I am writing regarding Mr. David Rodgers as a potential renter of the Downtown Theatre. As a former employee of Mr. Rodgers, I feel it is important to share my firsthand experiences so the Council may have relevant information while considering this decision.
I previously worked for Mr. Rodgers as a stage manager. In order to receive wages owed for my work, I was required to take legal action. A court order required Mr. Rodgers to pay overdue wages; payment was delivered approximately three weeks past the required deadline, and the remaining portion was sent approximately one week later as loose, unrolled pennies placed in an envelope.
Additionally, a personal gown of mine — a Belle -style formal/PROM dress — was not returned to me when requested. I stored the gown in Mr. Rodgers' rental unit during my time working for him; however, he stated he did not have it. Because of this claim, the court did not order its return, and I did not recover the gown.
I am providing this information not to make personal accusations, but to ensure the Council has full context regarding my professional experience with Mr. Rodgers. Given the public significance of the Downtown Theatre and the importance of responsible management, I respectfully encourage the Council to conduct thorough due diligence regarding his business practices, reliability, and capacity to responsibly manage a community facility.
Thank you for your time and your continued dedication to our community. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Cavazos
5:00 \ IOPIWD,
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Letter for city Council
From [email protected] (Sue Cavazos)
To [email protected]
([email protected])
Nov 4 at 10:49 AM
Due to the inability to drive a significant amount of
time to attend this meeting, I am giving permission
for Andrea Hallahan to read my statement publicly
in front of the Fairfield City Council.
Susan Cavazos
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