Marcus G. Tiggs
Marcus G. Tiggs
City: Culver City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
Early it was my older sister. She regularly would expose me the concerts at t he Los Angeles Music Center, various silent movies and cultural arts events. My sister was patient with this as she has a masters in fine arts. From age 10 through 18 I was a competitive figure skater exposing me to other creative disciplines (e.g. ballet, classical music, etc.).
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 the city in my view is to encourage the cultivation of existing cultural and art programs.. In addition, it is prudent for City Council to look to public-private partnerships to expand our cities arts and cultural infrastructure. This planned public-private partnerships will facilitate additional cultural programs that would be supportive not only to Culver City but the region.
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 the city surrounds balancing residential with that of commercial. 75% of the city general revenue comes from business related taxes i.e sales business license etc. While I feel we have to encourage smart developments to economically sustain Culver City I feel strongly the city is only as good as its residents. Arts and culture is part of the creative economy which also benefits/enhance the quality of life in Culver City. In conclusion art and cultural plays a critical role in achieving my vision.
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)?
With Culver City being a point of destination and next-door to silicon beach, Culver City is in the perfect space to leverage this. Culver City has taken a first step with funding the citywide fiber network. Attracting creative economy businesses to Culver City does not happen automatically. I would champion the city using the services of a professional marketing firm to market the heck out of the city as it being a place for creative businesses (for and not for profit). This creative sector is something we cannot miss.
Thomas Aujero Small
Thomas Aujero Small
City: Culver City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
As a small child I clearly remember going with my family to the theater and the winter-season Charles Dickens Faire in San Francisco… and our extended sojourns with my mother’s family in the Philippines, being immersed in that unique and vastly foreign culture (both South East Asian and Catholic), the food, the tropical childhood entertainments… In high school I began singing and then studied Comparative Literature at Yale University, singing and touring Europe with the Yale Russian Chorus, and then studying art in Italy before graduate school in France at the University of Paris.
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 am running for City Council as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, a highly unusual candidacy focused on arts and culture. As a Councilmember I would advocate for the region’s arts and cultural infrastructure with more vigor than any previous member of the council. First, I would promote additional support and resources for the Cultural Affairs Commission, and then further improvements and renovation of the Veterans Auditorium complex, as well as additional facilities for arts of every kind. As Commissioner, I have overseen the Public Art program, Performing Arts Grants, our first International Film Festival, and our new Artist/Poet Laureate program.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
I envision Culver City as an exemplary, diverse model small city at the heart of a major international metropolis. Art and culture play a major, central, and crucial role in achieving this level of excellence, (including an extremely high quality of life and vigorous creative economy). We need to nurture our burgeoning arts district, our museums and theaters, and grow our civic cultural and artistic offerings, particularly those that serve our youth, our seniors, and the less affluent who have less easy access to the world class performances, museums, and cultural diversity available throughout greater Los Angeles.
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)?
As Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, I commissioned Culver City’s first Report on the Creative Economy based on the Otis Report on Los Angeles, which is now being drafted. I believe that nurturing our creative economy is critical to the successful future of Culver City. All of these aspects of this market sector: cultural tourism, indirect and direct creative jobs, nonprofit and for profit arts and cultural organizations, work together to support our vigorous economy. Our vital, growing, and essential high-tech, media, and design-oriented businesses particularly interact and depend on these other aspects of our creative economy.
Jeannine Pearce
Jeannine Pearce
City: Long Beach City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
We were extremely poor growing up. Therefor, I cherished my Nikon SLR camera. Viewing the world through my camera lens and in the images produced in a darkroom gave me the confidence to be and do more than even my mother thought possible. I was 16 when I moved out of my mother’s home, on the very day my stepfather destroyed all my camera equipment. The next week I started my first job as a photography assistant. I went to community college and continued photography. I know firsthand the power of the arts to build confidence, community, and engagement.
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?
Government is the best advocate for the arts, as it can be an unbiased source of continuing revenue free from the pressures of the market. Government also has the most to gain from supporting the arts, as the arts helps to build community and break down the barriers.
It is critical that we allocate funds to support our Arts Council, artist development, public art, and education.The arts creates jobs, community engagement, revitalizes neighborhoods , and builds a more expansive creative local economy. The arts also cultivates young people, creates new opportunities and facilitates academic achievement, while helping to revitalize neighborhoods.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
Locally I see the arts as playing a key role in revitalizing neighborhoods working with our at risk youth and bringing innovation and creativity into our local economy. We can do a better job of educating residents young and old through the arts as well as a better job of connecting local artist to economic and educational opportunities. We can also use the arts to connect people to their local government in new ways with the goal of ensuring everyone has a voice in solving our everyday problems.
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 support bringing back the 1% for the Arts and ensuring that revenue is spent on local artists. This new dedicated funding source would help to enrich the local arts community and build a new opportunities for creative sector development. I will work to link our art’s community with the many tourist assets we have in Long Beach, like the Queen Mary, our museums, and our coastline. I also want to invest in the Creative Intern Program, which connects LB City College and local artists into our K-12 classrooms.
Gennia Cui
Gennia Cui
City: Lancaster City
Position Seeking: Mayor
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
I grew up in Chicago, a city with world class museums and attractions that I was exposed to often and from the time I starred in my kindergarten play through the time I was 16 and sold buttons for the S.D.S in front of the Chicago Art Museum to pay for the bus ride to Washington DC to protest the war, I assumed everyone was an artist and an activist.
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?
Having produced a local cable access TV show 25 years ago in another community, I have long pushed to open up our city’s own cable channel for a lineup of other artists to do the same. As a city human relations commissioner I tried to promote “the Heuristic Council, a theatrically based way to understand another person’s position by placing yourself in it after allowing yourself to hear and understand it. As usual, entrenched interests rarely value vision or actual mechanisms of change.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
Add to question 2 a sports league consisting of martial arts skill and no personal injury resulting in positive effects that prepare for a multitude of other pursuits, including dance.
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 am an artist. What I do now is write (4 unpublished books, 1 real good one) and publicly demonstrate how one should engage in positive civic involvement.
Bella Cristobal
Bella Cristobal
City: Walnut City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
Growing up in the Philippines art and cultural events aren’t as many as there is now I’m fascinated with almost any form of art may it be painting, performances, dancing, choreography, designs or crafts My exposure was more on cultural shows folk dancing in particular where I participated in various presentations in schools and other events and venues We learned not only our country’s folk dancing but also those from other countries. I developed the love of performances as a child which I carried with me as an adult. I made dancing and choreographing as my hobby.
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 consider a program that will promote the development of project in arts and culture. Have a dialogue with existing organizations to determine how to incorporate such activities that are beneficial to the community.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
I look forward to a City that has a well defined art and cultural program. An organization with programs centered on students, helping develop their minds and cultivate their talents in arts and culture that will lead to higher learning. To celebrate this type of development, an annual arts and cultural show or festival should be considered in the future.
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)?
Partnering with the arts and culture sector will help develop and enhance the economy. People can pursue their artistic expression when there’s the opportunity, the exposure , the availability of organization/s or programs that will help and guide those with interests and talent. This is aimed to obtain jobs which in turn will enhance the creative economy.
Dan Holloway
Dan Holloway
City: La Puente City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
Living in the Palms area of Los Angeles in the 1950’s, adjacent to Culver City, I would go with my family each year to the week long La Ballona Days Festival which was a cultural celebration of Culver City’s Spanish and Western heritage. Begun in 1951, La Ballona Days had people go to events and even to work dressed up as Native American Indians. rancheros. señoritas. cowboys and cowgirls. The early fiestas evoked pride among the descendants of the first families and offered the entire community a playful opportunity to connect with its history.
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, in 2012 we started the La Puente Art Walk. This event brought artists from all over Southern California to show their art in downtown La Puente. This included music and poetry readings as well as crafts and jewelry exhibits. Having served on our school district’s Visual and Performing Arts Commission I believe the arts are an important part of our communities cultural fabric.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
I believe the Arts are an important piece of of a city’s culture and should not only honor the past but also look to the future. We are now beginning a civic/public art project we hope will bring art to the masses.
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)?
In a small town like La Puente, where we have no vacant land and a low to middle income population. there are few chances to influence the larger creative arts economy of Southern California’s (jobs and tourism). Our key role is to educate our students and population at large about the importance of the arts, their beauty and significance and encourage them to reach out beyond our borders to experience, work in and enjoy the Southern California art scene.
Jay Garacochea
Jay Garacochea
City: Culver 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 Hearst Castle at 10 years old. I was amazed by the pool, the grounds surrounding the property, and how the castle sat above the clouds. Unfortunately life passes us by so quickly, it was until last summer that I finally returned for visit. It was equally, if not more meaningful, as an adult to visit it again.
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’s role should be one of support. The current and past councils have been and are moving in the direction of supporting a vibrant and strong art district in Culver City. The ground work in our city has been laid and we as council members will need to continue supporting those efforts.
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 the city is for it to become one of the premier cities on the west side. Culver City has always taken a backseat to some of the surrounding cities but in recent years it has become one of the powerhouses. I believe that art and culture do play a role in that vision and I also believe that the city made a great choice by organizing the Cultural Affairs Commission. The commission is a great advocate for the need of arts and culture in our city and I will continue to support their recommendations.
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 city council, private, and nonprofit organizations need to work together to develop the creative economy of our city. We need to encourage our schools to promote creativity through arts, music, and design to feed the region’s creative economy. The issue is funding, but with a collective effort we should be able to make a positive change.
Dan Reid
Dan Reid
City: Lawndale City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
In my younger days, I not only participated in a few plays, I was also in our high school marching band. We had friends in the local Performing Arts Theater and enjoyed their performances. It has been a few years since our family has gone to a Live performance at a Theater, I would like to see More of an emphasis available in our schools.
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?
City Council is a key element in encouraging and promoting the various cultural and art activities which we have within our community each year We encourage our residence to not only come to see performances of our various groups but to also participate in programs throughout the community which are sponsored by the diverse groups and entities which are active This includes our activities at Harold Hofmann Community Center, our Library and the Fairs which we put on annually. We have also incorporated Musical Themes and citizen Artwork in our recent park designs.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
Art & Cultural are such a large part of our diverse culture, that it is not only a great cornerstone to build community functions on, but is key to embracing our ability to thrive side by side here in the Heart of the South Bay! I encourage anyone reviewing this to come to the Lawndale Spring Fair.
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 am happy to assist in promoting businesses and non profits who are serving our youth in expressing themselves through Art & Cultural programs in our community. I have sponsored trips for youth and volunteered with several local youth programs so I am aware of the direct result they have in the growth and exposure to the Arts within our young generation. One of the most memorable was National Competition of Teens & Talent where our local youth group excelled in the awards, trophies & scholarships they secured by the talent we nurtured.
Dave Atkinson
Dave Atkinson
City: El Segundo City
Position Seeking: Councilmember
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
Type Herefrom the very beginning of Art being taught and participating in art itself opened up a whole world for me. The beauty of art is the great number of the different ways and types there are to view and participate in
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?
Type Here The involvement of the City Council in art is a must. The more exposure of the arts that we can promote and endorse will result in greater awareness. This improves our very culture
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
Type Here We are very fortunate in El Segundo. The El Segundo Museum of Art opened a few years ago. This resulted in 3 Art Walks, bringing many people to town, that may never had visited our great city
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)?
Type Here I believe the more exposure of the arts will only help us all to develop our very own creativeness. There is art ability in all of us, it just needs to be unlocked. Push for more art expo’s.
David Paul
David Paul
City: Lancaster City
Position Seeking: Mayor
Question 1: Please share the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up.
I grew up in Chicago, a city with world class museums and attractions that I was exposed to often and from the time I starred in my kindergarten play through the time I was 16 and sold buttons for the S.D.S in front of the Chicago Art Museum to pay for the bus ride to Washington DC to protest the war, I assumed everyone was an artist and an activist.
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?
Having produced a local cable access TV show 25 years ago in another community, I have long pushed to open up our city's own cable channel for a lineup of other artists to do the same. As a city human relations commissioner I tried to promote the Heuristic Council, a theatrically based way to understand another person's position by placing yourself in it after allowing yourself to hear and understand it. As usual, entrenched interests rarely value vision or actual mechanisms of change.
Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in achieving that vision?
Add to question 2 a sports league consisting of martial arts skill and no personal injury resulting in positive effects that prepare for a multitude of other pursuits, including dance.
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 am an artist. What I do now is write (4 unpublished books, 1 real good one) and publicly demonstrate how one should engage in positive civic involvement.
