Herb Benham: My, oh, Maya -- this place is pretty cool
| Wednesday, Jul 15 2009 05:29 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Jul 15 2009 05:29 PM
It's beautiful. I'm talking about Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas. Why beat around the bush.
Tuesday I attended the opening of the new theater complex on California Avenue along with about 300 other people. I'm not sure what was more welcoming, the lofty, orange, yellow-and-cream-colored structure -- impressive from the north, south, east or west -- or the smiles of the 100 or so employees, many of whom greeted the guests as they walked in.
I know, first night. Everybody should be smiling. However, if Maya can take those opening night smiles into cold January evenings, they are way down the road and we are following with rapt expressions.
People still like to be greeted. Waited on. Pampered.
Patrons were happy. Free popcorn, hot dogs and Dr Pepper had something to do with it, but not everything. People like pretty, they like new and they like someone trying to dress up the neighborhood.
KERN 1410-AM's Scott Cox was there with his wife, Debbie. They were impressed, both by the theaters, some of which have quiet rooms where you can house enthusiastic babies (can we entice the movie talkers to share those rooms, too?) and the refreshments.
Some advice. Never get between free food and the media. You could end up flatter than a movie poster.
I can't lie. When I heard that somebody was going to build a 16-plex movie theater on California, I thought they were borderline crazy. The theater edges a tough neighborhood.
Security is going to be important. If Maya proves safe and family-friendly, the theater's reach could be huge.
In the neighborhood's defense, McMurtrey Aquatic Center has never had any problems nor has the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center.
Maya makes it three- strong and they form an impressive block. The theater, ice rink and pool are easily navigable, one to another.
Maya may be the most beautiful theater in town. There's no multiplex within miles, and my sense is that customers will flood the place. I'd like to see Maya's owners rewarded. We ought to be sending fruit baskets and flowers to anybody who has the guts to open up a business in this climate and then employs 100 people.
"I think this is going to be really good for the community," said concession worker Jessica Manke, a student at Cal State Bakersfield.
Architecture, and this is as deep as I am going to go, not only defines inner space but outer, too. There is a great view of the mountains to the east from the lobby. A clear sight to the pool and ice rink, too.
This downtown corridor has cleaned up nicely (yes, my wife is a City Council person and, yes, this is part of her ward). However, it's easy to feel optimistic (no matter who you eat dinner with) about the new Central Park, Mill Creek, Rabobank Arena, the coming of the federal court house, the senior housing across California, the pool, the ice rink and now Maya.
I'm going booster here. Buy a ticket. If the new Harry Potter movie is not your thing, there are a lot of Maya employees who will probably be really glad to see you.
