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Pelosi Remarks at Letterman Digital Arts Center Opening

June 25, 2005

Pelosi Remarks at Letterman Digital Arts Center Opening

Saturday, June 25, 2005

"I am pleased to be here as we open the Letterman Digital Arts Center in our beloved Presidio.

"This is a great day for San Francisco and an acknowledgement of the Bay Area?s imagination and entrepreneurial spirit.

"For more than two centuries, the Presidio has stood as the Sentinel of the Golden Gate. Today, the Presidio has been transformed into a national park like no other as a place of peaceful reflection and recreation for all the people.

"The transformation of the Presidio from Post to Park has been exciting in its innovation. Much has been accomplished, including new trails and a new overlook dedicated to our nation?s immigrants. And there are plans for a new Parade Ground and a school that is currently under construction.

"We are here today to celebrate the imagination and creativity that is part of this transformation. The new Letterman Digital Arts Center reflects the imagination, cutting-edge innovation, and creative genius of George Lucas.

"Starting in July, special effects wizards will occupy this beautiful workplace where they will continue to do the best work in digital arts using cutting-edge technology.

"George created this new Center with the spirit of the Presidio as its focus, increasing open space, improving public access, and creating a new public garden.

"These marvelous buildings were built to look like they?ve been part of the centuries-old Presidio all along, in keeping with the character and architecture of this National Historic Landmark District. Thank you, Larry Halprin, for this legacy.

"This complex is designed to be more energy efficient and more water efficient than conventional buildings, and most of the demolished Letterman Hospital was recycled or reused in the construction. All existing trees on the site were saved and incorporated into the landscape design.

"For us in California, the environment is not an issue; it is a value, it is an ethic, one that I know George Lucas shares. Thank you, George.

"Congratulations to George as you lead Lucasfilm into a new era. And thank you for making this National Park a place that will encourage imagination and creativity in a new way, and respects the historical and natural resources around us."