Meril S Platzer

City: Agoura Hills City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

My passion as a young child was to be a cartoonist As a young girl, I attended Saturday classes at Pratt Art Institute in Brooklyn New York There a number of artists in my family two cousins one a well known muralist whose works are part of the San Francisco-Oakland backdrops famous works including the Mitzvah with my maternal grandmother in the center of the table next to The late Harvey Mik and Diane Feinstein, mural near the Opera house and the Jack London mural to name a few My paternal cousin is a jazz musician in the SF area

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?

A rt and Music enhance the City of Agoura Hills. It adds depth to the City and its population. Not only adding beauty to the landscape but attracts tourists from outside of the area. It also provides the local residents pride in their city and also an avenue to show their talent I feel the City Council should support the Arts. Also, as a Neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s Dementia and also on the advisory board of Cognitive Dynamics in Tuscaloosa, Alabama., Art Therapy helps those patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s Dementia.

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

I would like to see more programs in the Arts and Music to help those patients with Neurological conditions such as Alzheiemr’s and those who suffer from other disabilities including Down’s syndrome, stroke, and Autism.

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)?

Art to be done by the local residents especially those with disabilities I.e Autism, Dementia patients,Down’s syndrome etc. to be able to contributes to their city..outside art either to sell their works and help their pride. Also, local residents to put on plays, music performances, and art shows etc to attract tourists and help provide an avenue for their budding talents.