Victoria Martinez

City: El Monte City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Always loved singing, so I joined the choir in middle school and continued to sing in high school. As a senior, we had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii and participate in an international choral competition, meeting students from Australia, New Zealand, including a Maori choir. 

We experienced the arts and culture of Hawaii as well as shared music with our peers.It was memorable and I continued, via pen pals, to experience and learn from international friends.

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?

First of all, recognizing that there is a lack of access and creating a strategic plan to address that lack of access. Regionally, we should be finding like minded partners/partnerships to explore a better presence of the arts. Also, the City Council should find and support those in the community who are doing the work, providing the arts and continue to promote the opportunities to be introduced to something new.

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

To be a recognized as a great place to live, work and raise a family in the San Gabriel Valley. Part of raising a family in El Monte, is exposure to the arts. To continue to place art in and around the city, or to host performances is part of the future for El Monte. Thanks to recent development within the city, there is an increase in our "Arts in public places" funding that needs to be strategically implemented.

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)?

Creating more opportunity to buy local, support local artists by providing venues for artists to share their goods would not only bring a great opportunity for arts exposure, but for the creative sector economy. Also, creating an arts culture, where arts non-profits feel welcome and supported would be a win-win for the El Monte community, and region.

Gloria Olmos

City: South El Monte City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

My most meaningful experience growing up is when my Dad was an American Legion Post Commander & we had to perform in front of the veterans. To see the look on their faces and their deep appreciation they had for us touched my heart especially , because I was so shy growing up, and this performance set a whole new precedence for me. So I highly recommend the Arts not only for the self esteem it adds to the performer, but the power you have to reach the audience is so awesome.

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?

I think that we should invest in some type of cultural arts such a nice Museum, or to also elaborate on talent shows to allow the children to perform. As a School Board Member I have implemented many cultural festivities where the children perform, they sing, dance, and perform an enactment of Historical characters. It really is amazing.

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

I feel that if the children are performing families come out and support them, which will bring in community involvement and we can make it a festival time to also raise money for our community and in doing so enrich their performance program.

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 first would be to involve Parents, Teachers, Community Members, and Businesses to come together to create a huge festival that would include The Arts such as singing, dancing, performances, food booths, taco trucks, icecream vendors, diverse booths. A DJ . So that the Diverse would make money and we would participate as a community together. Also I would contact the local colleges to have their students mentor some of the younger students as well as get them involved for recognition as well to promote their school Arts.

Linda Northrup

City: Agoura Hills City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Participating in the Agoura High School Marching Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble as well as the amazing theater arts programs. I was president of the Thespian Club my senior year of high school and we presented a program at the Renaissance Faire and in local elementary schools. My musical claim to fame was appearing on the same bill as Sarah Vaughn and David Gates at a local school fundraising event.

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?

Agoura Hills just opened its new Recreation Center and can now launch more programs in the arts and culture through our Cultural Arts Council and its 91301.org programs. Our City Council should support and foster such programs for our residents.

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

Agoura Hills enjoys a small town feel with a vibrant cultural arts scene that is drawn from the community of artists in our midst. My vision is to expand the scope of programs that are offered through our Cultural Arts Council, both to enrich our residents, particularly our young people, as well as to support our local artists.

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)?

Enhancement and expansion of cultural arts programs in the City of Agoura Hills supports both local tourism as well as regional cultural tourism. I am honored to have the endorsements of some of our amazing local artists, as well as members of our Cultural Arts Council and look forward to working with them on new and exciting programs after I am elected. You can view my complete list of endorsements at www.northrup2015.com

Randolph Smith

City: Montebello City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

During my youth I remember going on field trips to the local museums and looking at different art pieces. There was modern art and period art. What opened my mind is that looking at art from early periods up to the modern era, you can see how the human mentality has grown as society advances. With progress comes endless creativity. It is vital to hold on to art to show future generations how far we have come.

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?

it is an obligation as a representative of the people of Montebello to show the importance of holding on to traditional values such as art. Art is more than a form of expression, it is a view into the history of mankind. Art allows us to express our emotions through mediums such as clay, paper and or other forms of materials. It encapsulates our history for young minds to see, so that they can learn and grow to be productive members of society. As a society we must protect art at all cost to preserve our humanity!

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

As a councilman I would like to place art throughout various parts of our city. Each location would tell a story of a historical event of what made Montebello. We would commission up and coming young artist from surrounding schools to submit their ideas and the winner would get a scholarship or grant. Then hire an artist if not the same person to create the art for display within the city. The art will then inspire those who appreciate art to learn our city’s history and bring out their creativity and inspiration to contribute to society.

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)?

I believe that the whole city is a canvas and is made up of nothing but art. Our city’s planning and design is an art form in itself. I would implement the city to have an annual arts festival to bring artist together to display their talent. Solicit local and surrounding companies to participate as well as big corporations. Put priority in finishing our cultural arts center so that local schools can visit and encourage young minds to be creative. Offer scholarships to students to implement designs to improve the city.

L. David Patterson

City: Hawthorne City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

The most meaningful art experience I had growing up was attending The Nutcracker play as a child. Going to plays was a rare experience for me. This experience stood out so much because it was an opportunity get dressed up, have what was to me an upper class experience, and spend some quality time with my uncle (whom had taken me and my sister).

I thought performance, the music, and the story was wonderful. It was actually my mother’s favorite ballet, which encouraged me to appreciate it even more.

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 very active role. As lover of the arts, I recognize our community’s desire for more artistic and cultural outlets. Our residents have made it clear that the art and culture is important to them and vital to the future of our community. As the leaders of our community, the City Council must support and be involved in the development of the region’s artistic and cultural infrastructure. As Hawthorne City Treasurer, I have wholeheartedly supported art exhibits, visited gallery openings, and attended performances throughout the city; and hope to do more as apart of the City Council.

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

Art and culture play a pivotal role in my vision. I envision a Hawthorne that attracts new businesses, maintains beautiful streets, and inspires an open, inclusive environment where residents and visitors feel comfortable going for a night out or simply for a relaxing stroll. Art walks in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Hawthorne have proven how effective the creative industry is in bringing people from all across Southern California together. As a City Council member, I will focus on bringing more art and culture based events to Hawthorne.

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)?

My daughter being an artist and having attended a class for teens at Otis College, this statistic is very exciting to me. As a City Councilmember, I will continue the progress we saw with Phantom Galleries, and local art walks. I will collaborate with colleagues, and the greater artistic community in developing the infrastructure needed to support and attract creative organizations, jobs, and cultural tourism. I will work with city administration to rezone commercial areas into live-work spaces, as well as pursue the development of art incubators, allowing artists the opportunity to live and develop their art in the city

Marina Khubesrian

City: South Pasadena City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

I grew up in Yerevan, Armenia until age 10. This city left a lasting impression on me with its parks, fountains, welcoming tree lined streets, public art and performances that were attended by families. Getting families out to public spaces and walking to recreation and shopping centers fosters active lifestyles and community building.

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?

I think City Councils can promote arts and culture by recognizing that public funds can serve to provide seed money for public art programs that leverage the resources of non-profit art councils and local artists to stimulate more programs. Our City is doing just this with a utility box art program, a program I helped launch.

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

I see public art as an important part of making public spaces more appealing for people of all ages to come out and engage with these spaces, as well as one another. Cities are stronger when residents are engaged with one another and celebrate creativity together. Art and cultural offerings stimulate economic engines and enhance dining, shopping experiences.

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 public sector has a few less tools to leverage in forming public private partnerships with developers with loss of redevelopment resources, but a few remain. As mayor, I appointed an arts director to serve in an advisory role on our dwntown development committee to bring arts and culture to the discussion and planning. Our city works closely with business owners to support creative manufacturing businesses, and to facilitate P3 or non-profit partnerships where possible.

Joe Armendariz

City: Baldwin Park City
Position Seeking: Mayor

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

The paintings on the side of the freeways on the 101 freeway West bound just past Alameda. Those were amazing to me. The kids on the wall where gigantic and so realistic. My cultural upbringing was diversified. We had our Mexican Culture. Food and traditions during the holidays. Mariachi music and Nortenios. I grew up around black families BBQ and there love for Funk and R&B. Whites who celebrated every holiday through out the year hamburgers and hot dogs. Rock and Roll and Heavy Metal i was exposed to. Great times..!!!

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 role should be just as important as teaching kids how to read and write. It would be so much easier introducing art, musical instruments and sculpting to kids at a very young age. The brain can be used as a sponge, that can except it better. City council needs to see the urgency to get kids to leave all this technology and give them a break. Just maybe one person from baldwin park can grow up to be the next Stephen Antonakos.

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

It would be awesome to bring statues, art work deco and paintings into the city of Baldwin Park. An art center would be great so kids of all ages can express and show off talents. Art deco can be beautiful as we drive down our main streets. Paintings can also be displayed by various artist on paper and canvas. Caricaturist are becoming more and more popular. with comic books and animators.

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)?

Yes i would pursue this. This can benefit the city bye opening art exhibits. That creates jobs for the Building industry. Planning and Construction. Ownership of new stores dedicated to suppling artist. Employment for people who cannot be at full functioning jobs. Part time and full time employment. Local bussinesses to bring income to there homes and for there families.

Roman Rodriguez

City: Baldwin Park 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 California Missions, local museums and the Huntington Library as a child. I grew to appreciate and admire that creative process and the overall tone of different types of art and culture. Due to my experience as a child, I have grown to admire art and culture as unique experience capable of influencing and inspiring people and environments.

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 role of a City Council should be to foster and develop art and culture to add esthetic value in the lives of residents and community overall. It is important to provide a reference point for the community to build their appreciation of art. It can be the catalyst in provoking thought and ideas that can influence public spaces and build awareness of self and community.

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

My vision will be to develop art and cultural play into the everyday lives into the community. I plan to integrate in the downtown area in different forms. I would truly like to revitalize the downtown area with unique one of a kind art projects that are hands on and invite the public to interact with it. Additionally, I would also like to recapture California’s car culture by having the city support artisan neon art signage along the downtown area main corridor.

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)?

I have a plan to support the economy in the Los Angeles County area by revitalizing our downtown area through the integration of art, technology and innovation. This will be done by building relationships with public and private entities to work towards a common goal of building a creative economy the will primarily produce and support jobs and support the local economy. By using art as the focal point the community will be encouraged to engage with the downtown environment thus creating a by product of support for local businesses and community.

Dennis Kneier

City: San Marino City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

In high school I was exposed to the arts and cultural experiences by my wonderful English teach, John Hanrahan (now deceased). He took the class to art galleries, concerts and ballet. It was through those experiences that led me to appreciate art and cultural activities. This has led to my wife and I having an extensive contemporary art collection, many artist friends, membership in the USC Pacific Asia Museum and volunteer work at The Huntington.

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?

I believe in starting at home … right here in San Marino. I was instrumental in having art donated to the City, some of which is hung in City Hall. I wish more of what came to us was used in our facilities, but it’s hard to get everyone on board in art appreciation. I was in charge of all fundraising for our Centennial Clock (a work of art in itself), our War Memorial (again, a work of art) and the Red Car Mural near City Hall. I am a proponent of public art.

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

San Marino is already a wonderful community but my vision is for it to be even better Part of this includes more public art cultural activities at our Public Library the San Marino Center and the Old Mill I am mindful of Frank Lloyd Wright’s saying Invest wisely in beauty for it will last all your days I believe in that attitude personally as exemplified by our personal art collection I’m as strong a donor as I can at The Huntington to support its art and gardens.

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)?

More publicity is needed to emphasize how much art and culture we have in LS County. We are NOT a cultural wasteland, by any means. Listen to KCRW’s weekly Art Talk with Edward Goldman. You’ll learn there is so very much going on in the art and cultural world right here in LA.

Kimberly Cobos

City: Montebello City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Being that I am attaining my doctorate in clinical psychology, I realize now I was participating in art therapy without even knowing. I believe this will be beneficial to our community as well. There’s so many forms of Art besides painting, there’s music, theater, jewelry, film which I wish to bring to Montebello.

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?

We should be advocates for the Art Community in order to connect with one another

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

I wish to bring as much Art and Culture to the city that I can!!

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)?

I would like to get the nonprofit involved first like the traveling art shows put on by these organizations, then the for profit to see how we can parter with one another. Maybe see if there is a liaison we the city can work with in order for our community to benefit from all that is out there!!