Jay Garacochea

City: Culver City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.

The most meaningful are and cultural experience that I had growing up was visiting the Hearst Castle at 10 years old. I was amazed by the pool, the grounds surrounding the property, and how the castle sat above the clouds. Unfortunately life passes us by so quickly, it was until last summer that I finally returned for visit. It was equally, if not more meaningful, as an adult to visit it again.

Question 2: What do you think should be the role of City Council in the development and support of the region’s arts and cultural infrastructure?

The city council’s role should be one of support. The current and past councils have been and are moving in the direction of supporting a vibrant and strong art district in Culver City. The ground work in our city has been laid and we as council members will need to continue supporting those efforts.

Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?

My vision for the city is for it to become one of the premier cities on the west side. Culver City has always taken a backseat to some of the surrounding cities but in recent years it has become one of the powerhouses. I believe that art and culture do play a role in that vision and I also believe that the city made a great choice by organizing the Cultural Affairs Commission. The commission is a great advocate for the need of arts and culture in our city and I will continue to support their recommendations.

Questions 4: A recent report by the Otis College of Design found that 1 in every 7 jobs in LA County is supports the creative sector and economy in Los Angeles County. What strategies, if any, would you pursue to enhance the region’s creative economy (i.e. cultural tourism, indirect and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit organizations)?

The city council, private, and nonprofit organizations need to work together to develop the creative economy of our city. We need to encourage our schools to promote creativity through arts, music, and design to feed the region’s creative economy. The issue is funding, but with a collective effort we should be able to make a positive change.