Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Whittier City Council
Candidate order: Ben Ahern, Nick Donovan, Fernando Dutra, Bob Henderson
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Whittier will be held on Tuesday, June 3.
2 seats are available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
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Too numerous to mention but the very first experience was having the opportunity to fling my arms and body around at the age of 6-7 to the sounds of West Side Story in a movement class at school. The teacher was a heavily crippled man, very little ability to walk or move his body, yet he had the ability to transfer his passion for this art form, Drama, to a bunch of young kids who would hopefully connect with the music and maybe do something with it! Later in life I became an actor, am a graduate of RADA, worked for many years as an actor in London on stage and television and look forward to supporting the arts in my community.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
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The education/cultural system in the US has been exposed to a systematic attack on the arts for obvious reasons. An education system based on music, drama and art creates critical thinkers, which is something our corporate owned political system does not encourage, critical thinking. The City Council should be actively engaged in turning this system around within the confines of school boards and the current structure of control. Every attempt should be made to fund and promote an arts based education and I will do everything within my power to promote and support such an idea within my community.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Once upon a time CALIFORNIA could look back and lay claim to one of the best education systems in the world. During that time education was practically free, included the arts and was seen as a way to create the worlds future leaders and entrepreneurs. Sadly those days are long gone. Someone at a local political level needs to champion those ideas once more and effectively communicate that message with passion and conviction, citing real life examples of that former model. I myself am a great example of that theory being put into practice, not from CA, but from the UK, however same principles apply. Until you get the buy-in and support from those around you nothing will change, so that has to be one of the first steps. The arts should be seen as a vehicle for creating the next generation of leaders and thinkers, so any investment made today would be seen as the planning for tomorrow.
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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Tough question. We have a cultural arts center of sorts at Whittier College with the Shannon Center. It is a great space and could be used for numerous events. The first step would be to encourage talent of note to perform within our community, they play other venues within our region so why not Whittier? We appear to be over looked? Support for sports attracts funding but the arts seems to be looked over? This needs to be addressed but once again it needs leadership with experience, that would be me creating outreach to those that would be willing to support that funding. We have very little history of professional talent visiting our town so this would be a work in progress, identifying the tastes and interests of the community would need to be considered as another first step.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Malibu City Council
Candidate order: Lou La Monte, June Louks, Andy Lyon, Hamish Patterson, Laura Zahn Rosenthal
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
2 seats are available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
Aside from playing a moving cactus in our 5th Grade production of 'Oklahoma', I think my first school trip to the Metropolitan Museum was the most meaningful. I remember being awed by the building, the paintings, the sculptures. I also remember gaining an unforgettable understanding of history through art. Many years later I was filming a commercial for the museum. The film crew and I had the whole place to ourselves. I remember setting up a slow, beautiful tracking shot as the sun came up across the Temple of Dendur. Suddenly this early childhood experience came rushing back. You never forget something like that. It was transformative.
What comes to mind is my 11 year old daughter's most meaningful experiences, and that was performing in the Nutcracker Ballet, put on by the Malibu Ballet and Performing Arts Society. Charlotte, as well has her sister, sings in the opening Christmas Carols, as well as performing ballet, from the Little Gingers to more recently as an Angel and Sugar Plum. Charlotte has performed in it the past 4 years, and loves each year more than the last.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
I believe a robust and vibrant cultural arts program is vital to any community and that the role of government is to act in the best public interest. So I believe the role of the City Council is to provide support for the arts throughout our community. In 2010, I created with Laura Rosenthal, Malibu’s first Cultural Arts Commission. The commission was approved by the City Council and is made up of 5 incredibly talented people. They are tasked with reaching out to artists, and promoting the visual and performing arts throughout the community.
I think arts are the foundation of a truly vibrant community, and city council role is important in encouraging the local arts, as well as the cultural richness of Malibu. Malibu is unique in that its culture contrasts with the neighboring cities, because of its rural character, natural beauty, and community of people strongly connected to the land. These elements of our community and culture need support, or they will be lost.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
We are currently looking into adopting a city ordinance that will provide funding for Public Arts. Many communities – both small and larger - have this kind of legislation in place already. So we’re looking into this as a source of revenue. Additionally, the Cultural Arts Commission may be seeking grants to initiate programs for the arts. But a significant part of funding will come from the private sector. Historically, this has always been the case. People want to be involved. They know the importance of the cultural arts and are excited by the possibilities.
I think the non-profit arts societies and culture building societies can work best when supported by a framework built by the city, especially because the cost of real estate is so high, it is difficult for these societies to have a public forum or meeting place. I would like Malibu to lower the cost of using our city hall for our arts community. As far as a funding stream, I would love to see our community's talent come together and do some fundraising events for our local art societies, and the city can underwrite the costs. Perhaps musical performances on the beach at Paradise Cove would be a great venue, because the environment reconnects us to the beauty of our natural environment at the same time.
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
In Malibu, we are fortunate to have a diverse community of artists and talents. They are our cultural resource. I feel the most important and impactful way to deepen the City’s investment in its creative economy, is to nurture, support and respect the artists who live here. Furthermore, our City receives fourteen million visitors a year. By funding visual and performing arts programs we hope to provide residents and visitors a first rate cultural arts experience.
1.) Encourage hiring locally. Unfortunately I see our city currently hiring outside talent. We recently hired a firm in New York for a Malibu logo. I hope to source our local talent from jobs and arts projects to design committees. 2.) Encourage a center for sustainability, with an arm of arts programs, with community gardens that deepen our connection with the earth. 3.) I would like to see events like quarterly poetry readings, or whatever ignites our community, sponsored by our city, perhaps in conjunction with library funds.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach Unified School District 5
Candidate order: Diana Craighead
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach Unified School District 3
Candidate order: John McGinnis, Juan Benitez
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach City Council District 9
Candidate order: Ben Daugherty, Rex Richardson
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
I believe I was nine when my grandmother took my to see 'West Side Story' at a local dinner theater. The cast served us, and for my youthful mind meeting the lead actress was supreme. I grew up pretty rough and tumble, but deep inside I've always loved musicals. Now as an adult I crave to find that experience over and over.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
I'm uninformed and therefor cannot answer with integrity. However, I am a strong believer in the Arts and will advocate, whenever possible.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach City Council District 7
Candidate order: Roberto Uranga, Teer Strickland, Lee Chauser, Joan Greenwood
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
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Acting in Clifford Odet's "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," at Magnolia Playhouse, and "Tall Story" and "The Night of January 16th," at Polytechnic High School. Singing Barbershop and acting in "Wilbur Faces Life," at Hughes Jr. High, and seeing Ray Charles perform at the Municipal Auditorium.
School excursions to live performances, girl scout excursions to Boston area museums and my mother's love of classical music and municipal band concerts.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
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Take kids and Seniors to see Opera, Theatre, and Choral, and Orchestral programs. Developing the talent of the younger generation. Having free concerts and performances throughout the city. Bring back the Comedia Del Arte.
The City of Long Beach has a active and successful Arts Council. I would work towards enhancing its ability to provide funding for neighborhood-scale events in my District. As a Community Leader, I have been volunteer at neighborhood events that provide cultural experiences to young children in economically-challenged households.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Ask foundations for money to support the arts, create ensembles of talented children and juniors and seniors to make theatrical companies in the city. Perform for free, and ask for donations.
I would actively seek out private sources of income for the Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts and the Long Beach Junior Concert Band andthe International Childrens Choir to enable them to perform in District Parks
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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1. Seek out talent, have variety shows at local schools, and seek talent in senior homes, and in the neighborhoods of the wealthy influential families (like the Killingsworth family did for Long Beach 2. Use high school drama, music, choirs to perform at local schools, also use L.B.C.C. and CSULB students to do performance at local schools, in parks, and free performances in city owned theaters, or one's we could rent. 3. Bring culture to the people by bringing talent on wagons, buses, and platforms to impoverished areas, middle class, and wealthy residents of Long Beach. Use local talent, build a reputation like Polytechnic did for football, where talent comes to Long Beach for a chance to start their professional careers in show business.
Encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of Cal State Long Beach students and seek out micro-financing opportunities modeled off of Kickstarter to help them realize their dreams in the rich Arts and Culture climate of Long Beach.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach City Council District 5
Candidate order: Thomas Sutfin, Stacy Mungo, Joseph Luyben, Carl Kemp
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
I can not name just one. I took an art history class in high school where I have two significant memories. There are more but I will share these two. The first was a projector slide show of Vincent Van Gogh's art put to a music piece by Don McLean. The song was 'Starry Starry Night'. Thomas Cole's 'Voyage of Life' defines all of us in an inspiring way. The paintings are at the Munson William Proctor Institute in Utica, NY. At nearly 5 feet, any image in a magazine or web site does not do them justice. The details and symbolism reveal themselves slowly. Truly impressive. My experiences continued into college where I involved myself in a martial arts club where I learned a great deal about many cultures.
I was fortunate to have many meaningful cultural experiences as a young person. I vividly remember seeing the original cast perform the of The Phantom of the Opera. The music, the costumes, the details - it left a mark in my mind of how to perform. I remember as a young person trying to embrace that "on stage" presence in my ballet classes and performances.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
We have tremendous culture in our city. Development and support will come through promotion and acquisition of grants from state and federal sources. I would defer judgement on this until I know more about the vision of art of culture in this wonderful city. I'm not sure that there has been discussion on the vision and mission of art and culture in Long Beach. I think that we currently throw money at a project or idea with no common focus on who we want to be as an arts leader.
A Councilperson should serve as an ambassador for the CIty's arts and arts education programs. Additionally, I would advocate for preservation and growth of funds for the arts.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
This is one of the hardest things to accomplish. Particularly when the current budget and economic status of our city is marginal. I think we need to lead with a comprehensive economic plan which incorporates the arts and culture. Additional funding is going to be difficult over the next four years... even with a 3.5 million 'surplus'. I am always open to ideas but expanding the arts through additional funding will be difficult until we get a better economy. I am more than willing to creatively incorporate art in city events. We currently showcase a pet adoption at City Hall Meetings. We could very easily promote artist(s) in a similar way. Perhaps showcase and sell art as long as the proceeds went to funding local art and culture.
I'd like to propose best practices related to installing public art in all commercial development projects. Many cities and counties have designated a set percentage of funding for the arts. This practice ensures local artists have opportunities to enrich our lives throughout the city.
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
The creative economy in 2014 is digital. Long Beach is a lagging economy when compared to the state and country around it. One our our largest assets in CSULB and LBCC. The first improvement to our economy would be to promote growth of jobs in these areas. Specifically, I would center on the creation of business incubators in the creative technology area. Secondly, a focus on promoting the cultural events that we currently have in the city.
City officials need to unite under a comprehensive advocacy plan. We need to catalogue the passions of public officials and each commit to marketing and advocating on behalf of that passion though a thoughtful and results driven plan.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach City Council District 3
Candidate order: Jim Lewis, Martha Flores Gibson, Suzie Price, Jack Rosenberg, Stephen Bello
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
Traveling to Okinawa as a pre-teen with my military parent is foremost in my mind. My visual and olfactory senses were almost overwhelmed. The language, culture, and lifestyle change were frightening at first, but my inquisitiveness likely mellowed the impacts, as I was given quite surprising free reign to explore. That was the beginning of my being drawn to other cultures and desire to connect and communicate with others who were “different.” Later, when we served in the Philippines, I was able to assist my children to expect different sights, smells, culture and language; they have all since traveled abroad.
Attending LBCC play when I was at John Muir Elementary school. I'm an artist, so any art/cultural experience is like the air I breathe.
I had a very interesting upbringing. My mother and I were separated from my sister and father when I was 7. We moved in with my uncle, who was a professor. He traveled quite a bit and we moved around to various university towns with him. As a child I had the opportunity to travel to many international cities’ with my mother and uncle. Arts and culture were a major part of our lives. I grew up surrounded by diverse and eclectic people and that experience taught me to value arts and culture. Today, my children are exposed to music every day and our family makes exposure to cultural experiences a priority in our lives.
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Before my mother (Ann) passed three years ago, she was an antique dealer for over 40 years, specializing in 18th and 19th century European sculptures. My appreciation for art started at a very young age, and resonates today. I have a small collection of this type of art and others, and I have an appreciation for many forms of art. I am also a businessperson. As much as I appreciate art for its beauty, I also appreciate it's investment value. I say this because we need to continually educate the city regarding the investment value of art in an effort to maintain the city's involvement.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
Due to my philosophy on the limits of government responsibility, I believe leaders should primarily lead by example. My personal involvement and investment in art and culture would continue to be part of my regular schedule: visiting museums, the symphony, operas, and personally supporting art and cultural events – especially within our educational institutions. I would also encourage civic involvement and collaboration of city agencies. Where feasible, a community should support art and cultural experiences and education. It should also provide incentives and seek potential grants for inclusion of art in major corridors and all manner of building and development.
It is absolutely vital, for us to develope and support our region's cultural Infrastructure. It is good for the community and our economical growth.
City Council sets the tone for our artistic evolution through its support of programs and facilities that celebrate and expose the various arts. As a Council member, I would partner with the local 'talent' and artists to present new programs and opportunities for our City to focus on arts and culture. As the 7th largest City in California, we need to focus on making this a vibrant, hip, culturally diverse City that offers it's residents and visitors, a rich variety of artistic programming.
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I will always favor the expansion of the city's arts through education, commercial development, and the NEED of the arts to be integrated into ALL entrances into our great city, and government owned buildings. I get so envious when I travel to other cities that really have a grasp on this (Cerritos).
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
I would charge the city’s Planning Department to work with developers in establishing business and residential corridors and major thoroughfares with a planned continuum of design that reflects the culture of the area. The development of grants and incentives would be major funding sources. I have been involved in other communities where this type of funding worked. (See Q2) Signage is another way of creating a more aesthetic and pleasing – and profitable – business corridor. While signage can be costly for a new business, it’s the best interest of businesses and the City to provide reasonable regulations and incentives for appropriate signage.
We need to seek private and public funding on a on going line-budget. We need to model after what the Paul Getty's museum has created in LA.
I don't know enough about the current City budget and the various funding sources to be able to answer this question in a responsible way. I know that I would look towards using one time funds to start a creative economy program/plan that could be incorporated into the general budget as the economy improves. I would also assign a member of my staff to work with local creative industry experts to identify possible grants that the City could apply for to promote the arts.
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The city is very tight on money and I have not seen enough motivation in the city to create more funding for the arts at this time. More funding for the arts first has to come from a motivated private sector, including developers, then the city will want to participate. Education is the key for this to happen. We are in the information age, and we need to inform! We need to increase the volunteer base with Long Beach State student volunteers by establishing college credits for students that work for and are educated by the Arts For LA l (if this is already in place, I did not see it on your website). This will be an opportunity to educate students and raise a dedicated army for future needs. Students would be in charge of marketing the arts through social and traditional media. In addition, they would also aggressively fund-raise for tax deductible donations. We need to specify the deductibility status of the Arts For LA Corporation (I did not see this on the website). We need to make the donation process business friendly, and it must be marketed to a broader audience. Money knows no boundaries. In addition, Arts For LA also needs to continue to aggressively seek alignment with similar organizations in other areas of the country in an effort to support and learn from one another.
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
Long Beach already has a strong present investment in the arts sector. As it is also one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., we have numerous sources of and a broad vision for support of the arts and culture. Leaders need only to take initiative to weave specific policies into the planning and permitting processes. -When investing in our primary infrastructure, I would push for simultaneous improvements in corridor redevelopment and planning -Develop incentives to incorporate visioning into new developments and façade remodels permitting process -Collaboration at all levels with civic, education, corporate, and private agencies, including nonprofits
1. Build upon the web-site that markets our Great City as a whole. 2. Develop and ab to communitcate cultrual tourism, in-direct and direct jobs. 3. Actively seek nonporfit and for profit experts from around the world and at our k-12, Local City Colleges and CUSLB to start.
I would support creating a citywide task force focused on the arts. The task force would include leaders from Long Beach City College and CSULB; I would work with our conventions and tourism bureau to attract more diverse programming to the City; I would support providing incentives and lower cost space rental for creative industries and businesses in order to promote a young, energetic, ideas-driven businesses in Long Beach. I like what LA has done with its creative economy plan. (as discussed in the links included above).
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This is more than a three step question, but if I had to break it down I would suggest the following. Educate the city council of the importance of the city's investment in the arts program. Everyone says they are on board in the beginning, but there has to be a passion on the part of the city. This can only come from; 1. Education( pressure) 2. Education of what other cities are doing (pressure through guilt/competition) 3. Education of the financial benefits (Return on investment) of moving forward with spending money for the arts.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Long Beach City Council District 1
Candidate order: Ricardo Linarez, Misi Tagaloa, Lena Gonzalez, Pilar Pinel
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Long Beach will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
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As a child, my mother and father constantly surrounded my brother and I with music, culture and beautiful art. I loved going to Aguascalientes, Mexico where my mother is from and attending the annual arts/music festival they had there, which consisted of Aztec dancers, French-Mexican cuisine and lots of music. I have been back multiple times since being a little girl and I still get so excited about it! Now as a mother to my own son, I am constantly surrounding him with art and music. We often attend events in Downtown Long Beach, Santa Ana and love going to MOLAA and LACMA. He now wants to get into the music industry when he gets older..go figure!
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
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As the next City Councilmember in the 1st district which incorporates a large portion of Downtown, I believe it is important to create policies that allow Arts, Culture and Music to thrive for enjoyment of our residents, businesses and tourists. The role of an elected official in Long Beach, with such a large creative class should also include working with non-profit organizations on collaborative projects that employ local artists and musicians for local events and beautification efforts. There are so many opportunities in this city for art to merge with youth, seniors and our parks programs. The possibilities are endless here!
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
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Currently, we have the Arts Council for Long Beach which is the main source of funding for local arts projects in the city. It would be great to see more collaboration with our schools, Port of Long Beach as well as our active community groups for collaborative work on larger projects in our neighborhoods. There is such a large passion for the arts in the city and it would be great to see more opportunities available for public/private partnerships to entice more funding from the city as well as private entities. As a Field Deputy for the Vice Mayor's office currently, I work with a group in Downtown that has acquired private funders to invest in their monthly "Twilight Walks" which include live art, local bands, wine, etc. It would be great to see more of a connection with the Arts Council and these community groups for better collaboration with funding sources.
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
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Art and music are my passions personally and certainly some of the reasons that I live in Downtown Long Beach. Our city is the birthplace of many local great talents as well as the birthplace of some of the best musicians. We are eclectic and uniquely, Long Beach and that is why I believe strongly in supporting our creative class. First, it would be great to begin expanding our outreach to local artists throughout our Long Beach communities so they are aware of the opportunities available to them. We need to do more on a social media and also on a grassroots level to spread the word on the efforts being made to employ local artists in the city. Secondly, looking at some of our local parks or non-profit needs for arts programs would be great as well, in order to offer senior and after school programs enriched with art. This can enable us to review our current city budget and find out where we can utilize some of our upland oil funds for large art projects. Lastly, I would be glad to look at our art districts, like my district's very own East Village Art District for blanket art/music event permits for the year or various years. Many artists tell me how difficult it is to obtain permits and conduct creativity in this city...I never want to hear that again, Let's make it easy for creative spirits to exist in Long Beach.
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Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Lawndale City Council
Candidate order: Robert Pullen-Miles, Pat Kearney, Gary McDonald, Larry Rudolph
As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.
Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.
All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
Arts for LA thanks P.S. Arts for their partnership in collecting and distributing these survey results. The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.
Voting for Lawndale will be held on Tuesday, April 8.
2 seats are available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.
For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.
Question 1: What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up?
As a youth and as an entertainer in Oklahoma City,OK., I participated in many arts and cultural events that were sponsored by the Oklahoma City Arts Council. At the age of 18 I operated my own independent record label, which co-sponsored art events in the town. I am currently, a freelance music licensing/business affairs consultant,that assists independent artists with securing grants-of right to use others intellectual properties in their music projects. Additionally, my background as a former employee of Kushner-Locke Films make me the idea mayor to promote the creative economy in the city of Lawndale.
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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure?
I believe that the city should be involved with developing the cultural infrastructure of the region. In fact, I would be interested in starting a Lawndale (or a regional) arts council to promote art, cultural and civic engagement in the city.
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The city council should take the lead role in partnership with the schools and chamber of commerce.
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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of, the city's current funding stream for local arts and culture?
As the author of the Lawndale Arts in Public Places Program, I would look to expand that program by allocating funds to promote art. I would also look to develop public/private partnership to raise funds to further support and to promote art and culture in the city.
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Never in the history of the city has it funded or supported the arts. This is so wrong. Lawndale is a smail 1.9 sq mile low income comunity with over 22 million dollars in general fund surplus. I will support and work to fund the arts
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Question 4: What three things would you do to deepen the city's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)?
As a aide to State Senator Ted Lieu (chair of Legislature's Joint Committee on the Arts). I would work with members of the Legislature to encourage school districts to provide instructional training to students that want to pursue careers in the creative economy. As mayor, I am proposing the formation of a Lawndale Youth Entrepreneurs Club,which will focus on training youth to be owners of high-Tech firm, including firms that provides products and services in the creative economy (video game and App development,digital arts & design, animation etc.)
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1. Use U.D.A.G. funds to provide working space for art and cultural comunity 2. Use surplus general fund to buy art and suport cultural activities 3. Use city property in partnership with art and cultural activities R. Outreach to the comunity so they may play an active role.
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