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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Illece Buckley Weber

City: Agoura Hills City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

I grew up in Encino California. My family traveled quite a bit and my fondest memory at age 13 was our visit to the Accademia in Florence, Italy to see Michelangelo’s David. From that point on, I became a fan of art and my love of art has brought me to the 21st century’s live street art and everything in between. As a teenager, I became a lover of music and from the 1970’s through the present day, I frequent venues around the world for all genres of music.

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?

As Mayor of the City of Agoura Hills this past year, I successfully pushed for the expansion of our Cultural Arts Council. Among its many events this past year to highlight cultural arts in our community, the CAC purchased the City’s 21st piece of art for our Art in Public Places, held its first Celebrate the arts event with a tribute/film festival spotlighting screenwriters and continued its teen fine art competition and solo artist show. I am a strong supporter of the arts and am proud of highlighting the issue during my term on 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?

My vision for Agoura Hills absolutely includes art and culture which brings the community together. From our Art in Public Places to our fabulous antique stores in the historic Whizin Marketplace, our residents support our programs that focus on art and culture We expect the development of the Agoura Village over the next few years and I will advocate for public gathering places for moving art installations. We are also looking at the necessary infrastructure to display art at our new Recreation and Event Center.

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)?

During my term on the City Council we have established a Tourist Improvement District with the City of Thousand Oaks. We are marketing our two cities as a great place to visit and culture and arts in the region are critical to its success. Between our two cities, we have numerous venues to promote the arts and culture. We have a website, www.91301.org, specifically to inform visitors of what’s happening locally. I estimate that half of the working residents in the City of Agoura Hills are employed in the creative sector so it’s critical that we embrace it.

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!!

Scott Kwong

City: San Marino City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Going to different countries with an open mind was definitely an experience for me when it came to learning about other cultures. The experience is difficult to put into words, but there is something about diving into a completely new environment different with food, language, and societal norms that makes me open to different ways of life. I have learned how to stop, take a breath, and live in the moment. I have also learned to value experience over material. Lastly, I learned that things do not always go as expected and so I just got to roll with it.

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?

Culture and society is always changing and San Marino is a very distinct community with both long time residents and new residents. We choose to live in San Marino because of its community and its schools. So we got a mix of culture in San Marino. I would like to see our students from our schools to do an art competition where the creation is left open to the student. They can paint, draw, chalk, construct, mold, etc. Completely open with no instructions and no limits to stop their mind.

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

San Marino will continue to be a distinct community with modernized houses of similar size. I do not see San Marino with mansion sized houses everywhere. Instead, I see San Marino almost futuristic where technology plays a major role in the house. Houses will look more modern with some modern art sculpture in the front yard. Automated window tints, smart fire alarms, keyless entry, an abstract modern art paintings in the living room, and almost everything is touch based at home such as the dining table that recognizes what is placed on the table.

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)?

Going back to question 2, our recreation center, schools, and arguably a portion of city hall will have some of the arts displayed created by our students. Because we pride ourselves in our school system and so we should show it off to the world. I don’t consider myself an art person, but I can imagine that this no-rule art would allow different type of thinking and creativity to come out of these students.

Frank V. Zerunyan, JD

City: Rolling Hills Estates City
Position Seeking: Councilmember

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

Visiting the Louvre on a regular basis as I attended middle and high school in Paris, France.

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?

Very important! Councils must be supportive of all intersectoral opportunities to promote the arts and culture. Government is not the best place for the arts to reside but not for profits with a clear mission are. Helping NFP’s achieve their mission through clear rules is the responsibility of government at every level.

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

Culture and the arts are front an center on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We have robust organizations like PV Arts Center and the Norris to capture the essence of our community and guide young minds with the availability of the arts.

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)?

LA as a region is among few in the United States with a rich culture in Cinematic arts, theater and graphics. Governments must again support intersectoral opportunities to promote the arts for enrichment as well as the creation of jobs for upward mobility.