Spring 2015 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: Los Angeles City Council District 2
Candidate order: David Hernandez, Paul Krekorian, Eric Preven
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 Cristina Pacheco at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.
Voting for Los Angeles City Council District 2 will be held on Tuesday, March 3.
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?
Looking back although I did not think so at the time, listening to classical music, show tunes and a wide variety of music on Wednesday evening with the family. Now when I hear them I recall fond family memories. I also reflect back on going to plays with family and how they play such a vital role in bringing the family together in a shared experience.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, which always had culture, but not the fantastic public amenities we have today. One memory that I cherish was going to the Lincoln Savings Bank at the corner of Riverside Drive and Woodman. The entire seventh floor was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, with memorabilia gathered from across the country. The lack of public options for arts and culture in the Valley, and my love of both, has led me to prioritize making the Valley a hub of culture. From public murals to museums and art galleries, the Valley has taken on a positive cultural identity.
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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?
Unlike many districts, the 2nd district offers a unique opportunity to expand, strengthen and establish a thriving cultural center in areas which have sat under utilized for over a decade. The Valley Plaza area which sits for the most part unoccupied is a challenge which I believe can be met with the creative community at its base.
The City Council must play a leading role. In my time on the City Council, I have done everything in my power to strengthen our cultural infrastructure. Some examples of my work are supporting and funding the citywide mural program, making the arts development fee into a program that works, directing resources to install and promote public murals, and hosting an annual film festival for LA County student filmmakers.
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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?
Given the vast amounts of non directed funding streams, I believe it is not only possible but vital to focus on those projects within the creative community which have a proven tract record of success.
As chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, I have championed funding the city’s mural program, including money for restoring public murals. When the city pursues development agreements, I will work to make increasing public art a requirement when those developments happen throughout LA. The city already sponsors many cultural events, but I will look for ways to increase those opportunities by holding more cultural events in public parks and recreation centers.
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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)?
Establish a destination zone in the Valley Plaza area, Providing a venue and opportunity to all those who wish to promote their craft, teach and educate in the arts field. Establish a performing arts center serving the residents of the East San Fernando Valley.
1. As chair of the City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Film and TV Production Jobs, I will continue to promote film and TV production and the tens of thousands of jobs it creates in Los Angeles. 2. I will utilize Council District 2’s very rich mural infrastructure to promote more cultural tourism in the San Fernando Valley, starting with the Great Wall of Los Angeles. 3. I will find ways to bolster and enhance pedestrian, bicycle and transit access to culturally significant areas as I have done along the Los Angeles River.
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