City Clerk

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City Treasurer

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Councilmember

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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!!

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.

Michael W. Samarin-Popoff

City: Montebello City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Going to the Museum of Science & Industry and the Museum of Natural History opened my eyes to the world of science, art, and history. Seeing all the different displays of machinery, mineral and metal samples, Indian art, and stuffed animals was astounding to me. I also greatly enjoyed the acapella singing of my church singers.

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 should try to encourage arts and culture appreciation wherever it can.

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

The city should be a middle class working people’s city. Art and culture should reflect the people who live in the area and should try to attempt to enlighten them and enrich their lives.

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)?

Montebello has two important cultural and historical sites that, as far as I can determine, have never been promulgated in the city’s development. I would try to get the word out about these sites as an attraction to encourage visitors and tourists with interests in this history and culture.