Fund-Raiser Planned for Science Center

Officials behind the Ventura County Discovery Center say it’s a resource for the entire community. Now those officials are hoping the community can provide some resources of its own to help fund the project.

The Discovery Center will hold its first major fund-raiser for the planned science center Nov. 13 with a dinner at the home of board President Kathleen Wiltsey. Invitations have gone out for the $125-per-plate dinner, which is expected to serve 100 to 200 people.

The center invited local business officials, City Council members and residents who have expressed interest in the planned facility, said Carrie Glicksteen, the Discovery Center’s executive director.

“It’s an event meant to really transmit the depth and scope and real flavor of what we’re doing,” Glicksteen said on plans for the center.

The 63,000-square-foot facility is planned as a regional, hands-on science center with exhibits, activities and programs for visitors of all ages. It is expected to cost $23 million, with funding coming from corporations, foundations, individuals and perhaps some city money, Glicksteen said.

It would be built next to the Civic Arts Plaza, on the eastern side. Plans also call for a neighboring future commercial center that most likely would include an Imax theater, retail stores and restaurants. Caruso Affiliated Holdings of Santa Monica--which designed, built and owns The Promenade at Westlake and the Village at Moorpark--has an exclusive negotiating contract with the city for the commercial property.

People who want to attend can call the Discovery Center at 494-7753.