Public Comment Correspondence submitted for November 28, 2023 Council Meeting

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From: Alicia Duarte
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2023 6:46 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject City Clerk - evaluation
From: Lee Squire >
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2023 1:02 PM
; Timothy Horn
Cc: Roger Bradley
Subject: City Clerk - evaluation
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Item No. 13
November 12, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
As a parent and supporter of the Greater Los Angeles arts community, I am familiar with many instances when Stay Gallery has contributed to a more vibrant artistic community, made Downey a more exciting and entertaining place, and delivered meaningful educational enrichment to our children.

I have attended (and made purchases at) art shows at Stay Gallery that showcased the rich diversity of our creative community. These shows not only generate business at Stay Gallery and the surrounding area of Downey, but they also provide a forum for the interaction of diverse audiences of artists, patrons and community members. By making Downey a destination for those who value the arts in their lives — and who are willing to bring business to communities that cater to their artistic appetites —Stay is providing an invaluable service to the Downey business community, the city's reputation in the arts, and to its overall quality of life.

I am also familiar with the high -quality educational programs that Stay has brought to the children of the community. Those programs, in addition to reducing the burden on other limited resources, offer unique and meaningful experiences to children that they otherwise would not receive.

I respectfully request the Downey City Council to include Stay Gallery's continued funding from the Art in Public Places fund on the agenda of a future city council meeting to be publicly voted on. Furthermore, I urge council members to support arts access for Downey artists, youth and families by voting in favor of Stay Gallery's continued funding. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Joseph W. White, CPA

Item No. 13
Mia Martinez
Downey, CA 90242
November 14, 2023
Subject: Urgent Support for Continued Funding for Stay Gallery Dear City Council Members,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my strong support for the reinstatement of funding for Stay Gallery in our community. As an engaged member of our vibrant city, I have witnessed firsthand the invaluable contribution that Stay Gallery has made to our local arts scene and the broader community.

Over the years, Stay Gallery has been a hub of creativity and cultural exchange, providing a platform for emerging artists, fostering artistic talent, and promoting community engagement. Its diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and events have enriched our city's cultural landscape and served as a catalyst for dialogue, innovation, and social cohesion.

It saddens me to learn that this unexpected funding gap poses a significant threat to the gallery's existence and its ability to continue serving our community. I firmly believe that it is in our collective interest to ensure the longevity and prosperity of this vital institution.

Stay Gallery has consistently demonstrated its dedication to fostering artistic expression and nurturing local talent. Its programming has reached individuals of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and find meaningful connections within our community. The ripple effects of Stay Gallery's work extend far beyond the walls of its physical space, positively impacting the lives of residents, visitors, and future generations.

I urge you, as esteemed members of our city council, to consider the long-term benefits of supporting Stay Gallery. By supporting the arts, we send a powerful message about the value we place on cultural expression, diversity, and community engagement. This space serves as an artistic hub where our youth can seek refuge and as an outlet for expression.

I kindly request that you add this matter to the upcoming agenda to discuss at the upcoming city council meeting and advocate for the reinstatement of funding for Stay Gallery. I also encourage you to engage in dialogue with the gallery's representatives to explore possible solutions and alternative funding sources that can safeguard its future.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Your support and commitment to the arts in our community are deeply appreciated. Together, we can ensure that Stay Gallery continues to inspire, educate, and unite us all.

Kind Regards,
Mia Martinez

From: Alex Caron >
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 4:54 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Cc: Stay Arts; Claudia M. Frometa; Hector Sosa.- Mario Trujillo; Timothy Horn Subject Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding 11-14-2023
Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Alex Caron. I'm an actor and comedian raised in Downey. Went to Williams elementary, Old River, West middle school and Warren High. I would like express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery frorn the City of Downey's Art In Public Paces fund. For the past year, Gabriel and Juliana have provided me a warm and welcoming space at the Stay Gallery and have given me and countless other comedians a voice. I started illy comedy show (Creatures of Habit) in my dads backyard. Gabriel and Juliana were impressed with how organized I ran the show so they gave me ail opportunity to bring my show to their space at Stay. We've had so many great memories with them and I literally can't thank them enough.My love for the arts didn't start with comedy though.. I'm also a musician and my first experience at Stay was with the event Make Music Downey way back in 2015. 1 respectfully request the Downey City Council to include Stay Gallery's continued funding from the Art in Public Places fund on the agenda of a future city council meeting to be publicly voted on. Furthermore, I urge council members to support arts access for Downey artists, youth and families by voting in favor of Stay Gallery's continued funding. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Alex Caron

Item No. 13
Linda Thai
From: Stay Arts
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2023 8:00 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Cc: Claudia M. Frometa; Hector Sosa; Mario Trujillo; Timothy Horn Subject: Public Comment for 11/28 • Letters of Support for Stay Gallery Attachments: Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Alex Caron.pdf, Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Denise O. White.pdf; Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Erick Rodriguez.pdf, Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Gabriel Avila, MA Art.pdf, Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — John Sollom.pdf, Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Joseph W. White, CPA.pdf; Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Julian P. Ballesteros, MD.pdf, Stay Gallery Letter of Support (2023) — Tamara Ramos.pdf Dear City Council,
We noticed that several letters of support intended for the city council meeting on 11/14 were not submitted into the public comment record. Please submit the attached letters of support for Stay Gallery into the record for public comment for the council meeting tomorrow (11/28).

Attachments (8 total):
• Letter of support from Alex Caron
• Letter of support from Denise O. White
• Letter of support from Erick Rodriguez
• Letter of support from Gabriel Avila, MA Art
• Letter of support from John Sollom
• Letter of support from Joseph W. White, CPA
• Letter of support from Julian P. Ballesteros, MD
• Letter of support from Tamara Ramos
Thank you,
Inspire Creativity.
(562)774-2056 Office
ellostayarts.org
Stay Gallery
11140 Downey Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
stayal lery.org
1 Stay Arts Ma Letter of Support for Stay Ga ery s Cont nued Fund ng 11/15/23 12 18 PM Item No. 13
Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding
Alex Caron ......> Tue, Nov 14, 2023 at 4:53 PM
To: ccpubliccomment owneyca.org
Cc: Stay Arts , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
11 14 2023
Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Alex Caron. I'm an actor and comedian raised in Downey. Went to Williams elementary, Old River, West middle school and Warren High. 1 would like express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Paces fund. For the past year, Gabriel and Juliana have provided me a warm and welcoming space at the Stay Gallery and have given me and countless other comedians a voice. 1 started my comedy show (Creatures of Habit) in my dads backyard. Gabriel and Juliana were impressed with how organized I ran the show so they gave me an opportunity to bring my show to their space at Stay. We've had so many great memories with them and I literally can't thank them enough. My love for the arts didn't start with comedy though... I'm also a musician and my first experience at Stay was with the event Make Music Downey way back in 2015. I respectfully request the Downey City Council to include Stay Gallery's continued funding from the Art in Public Places fund on the agenda of a future city council meeting to be publicly voted on.

Furthermore, I urge council members to support arts access for Downey artists, youth and families by voting in favor of Stay Gallery's continued funding. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Alex Caron
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Item No. 13
November 12, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
As a parent and supporter of the Greater Los Angeles arts community, I am familiar with Stay Gallery's contributions to the artistic community, to Downey's vibrant retail and street life, and to the educational enrichment of our children.

Whether through its stimulating art shows and markets, its inviting and exciting storefront in the center of Downey, or its enriching educational programs, Stay Gallery is constantly adding to the richness, diversity, and vitality of our community.

I respectfully request that the Downey City Council continue to include Stay Gallery's funding from the Art in Public Places Fund at a public vote on the agenda of a future city council meeting. Furthermore, I urge council members to support arts access for Downey artists, youth and families by voting in favor of Stay Gallery's continued support. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Denise O. White

Item No. 13
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Erick Rodriguez, and I am a Community Teaching Artist and native Angeleno. I would like to express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Places fund.

I began collaborating with Stay Gallery in March of 2021 because I wholeheartedly believe in their mission of providing accessible art opportunities to the Southeast Los Angeles community.

During COVID, Stay Gallery was motivated and determined to continue providing art opportunities to its community, and it organized an online art program. I facilitated art workshops remotely with the organization and would primarily work with children and adults from lower -income and underrepresented communities.

As a remote Teaching Artist with Stay Gallery, I have collaborated with them both as a paid and volunteer instructor. I started as a paid instructor and volunteered to provide free or reduced -priced painting lessons to students who needed them to promote equitable art opportunities. I firmly believe art is a fundamental necessity for children's holistic growth, which is why organizations like Stay Gallery are of the utmost importance to ensure everyone has access to the life -changing power of the arts.

Sincerely,
Erick Rodriguez

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E4ED1D5-0996-42FD-9F33-8919A47A8F65 Item No. 13
November 14th 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Gabriel Avila, and I am an Art Educator and Historian. I have had the privilege of working with Stay Gallery through their Expanded Learning / After school programming that they do with Downey Unified District. I would like to express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Places fund.

In the last 4 years since I moved to Downey, I have only seen a couple of art entities who have been consistent with their programming for the community. Stay Gallery has always been a staple in many of the events, programs and public/private showcases that the gallery provides for the community. I have seen many great moments as a result of having this space be in the heart of the city, literally from all the other action in the city. These programs are important because there aren't many to begin with, but also the inclusivity and the accessibility that they provide is simply not available to those who seek it. As an educator and artist myself, I have grown because of my personal experiences with Stay Gallery. I know that your council fully understands that Arts programming is beneficial to all the students and families of Downey.

Thank you. Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:

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Stay Arts Ma Letter of Support for Stay Ga ery s Cont nued Fund ng 11/13/23 9 22 AM Item No. 13
Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding
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Hello,
My name is John Sollom. I am an artist who does painting and assemblage art. I am a professional exhibiting artist from the greater LA area (La Mirada)
I hope the city takes a serious look at what the Stay gallery does not only for the wonderful city of Downey but the surrounding communities.

You can't put a dollar amount on the great things the Stay gallery does for the community. The many opportunities to exhibit young upcoming local talented artists. Giving art lessons to children in a safe expressive place. Sharing artistic culture with the community. The Stay gallery is a beacon of support for so many people. The city of Downey has a real gem. I hope the city continues support for the Stay Gallery. It's a wonderful place.

About ten years ago I was taking a drive down Firestone Blvd in Downey when I saw the Stay gallery sign. That suddenly caught my eye. An art gallery in Downey? I parked my car and checked it out. I walked inside and Gabriel introduced himself to me. I mentioned that I was an artist and would love to participate in showing my art at the Stay gallery if my art met the galleries acceptance requirements. A bit later that month I received a positive response and was put in a fabulous group show. I met so many amazing people and other artists who shared their stories of how they were introduced and accepted in the gallery show. So many artists have been given great opportunities because of the Stay gallery.

About six months ago I stopped by the Stay gallery to see the current group show. Again I was greeted by its wonderful host Gabriel. Gabriel remembered me and my art from years back. Gabriel was very enthusiastic and talked to me in great detail of the artworks and the artists showing in the gallery. I was very impressed. It was a fabulous art experience. Thank you Stay! I hope you (Stay Open)
Cheers, John Michael Sollom
Sent from my Phone
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Sincerely,
Joseph W. White, CPA

Item No. 13
November 13, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Julian Ballesteros, and I am the Chief of Service for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery for Kaiser Downey Medical Center. I would like to express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of ❑owney's Art in Public Places fund.

The Stay Art Gallery's impact on the community is big as they work with Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center on several projects which are enhancing the healing atmosphere of our medical center.

We are currently contracted to have Stay Arts provide direction for local artists to complete a mural on ❑ur medical campus, which establishes Kaiser Permanente's investment in the community to patients and their families. We anticipate multiple future endeavors in a similar vein because we believe in Stay Arts mission as a non-profit galley here in Downey, which features local artists. The programs provided for the youth in this community and their families is a sign of their continued purpose to being a beacon of light in this city.

I respectfully request the Downey City Council to include Stay Gallery's continued funding from the Art in Public Places fund on the agenda of a future city council meeting to be publicly voted on.

Furthermore, I urge council members to support arts access for Downey artists, youth and families by voting in favor of Stay Gallery's continued funding. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Julian P. Ballesteros, MD
Chief of Service for the Department of orthopedic Surgery

Item No. 13
11/2/23
City ufDowney
Attention: Downey City Council
1i111Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
K4v name is Tamara K4 Ramos, | 8nn @ visual artist and | was born and raised here in [}ovvney. | would like to express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City Of[}ovvney'S Art in Public P|8CeS fund.

When I think of Downey I think of Stay Gallery and think about how much Stay has made Downey a place I am proud to call my home.
• Stay Gallery has played avery important role inmygrowth asanartist. • Stay Gallery was the first gallery | shared and submitted apainting for. • Showing nnywork with them for the first time gave nnethe motivation to continue pursuing nnyart and the confidence tDshare mywork. • Stay Gallery gave me the opportunity to work on my first mural that is shown inthe Galleries resbuqm.
intern with them.
• Through Stay Gallery Ireceived acertificate ofrecognition from the city ofDowney for my participation in Honoring our Heritage, a group exhibition in2021.
• Through Stay Gallery I've had the opportunity tOparticipate inabout 8 art exhibitions 2018-2O23
• Because ofStay I've been able brsell mywork.
• Stay has agreat space that helps bring exposure tgsmall businesses and upand coming artists.
• Ibelieve that spaces like that ofStay Gallery are crucial for a community's quality Vflife because iLallows the community tOhave a watering hole Vfopportunity tomake connections through the arts. • Vgives way for the youth OfDowney tOhave @ place where they have access tVaccessible arts programming.
• Ibelieve that both Gabriel and Juliana serve espositive role models for the community ofDowney, the work they have put into the community isgreatly appreciated and deserves toStay.
• Art tomeisessential
• Art in community means vve are thriving

Iblarl". MAN

Item No. 13
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Sunday, November 26, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Patricia Garza and I am the Director of Programs of Los Angeles Performance Practice. I am a frequent visitor and patron of the many businesses and establishments you all have in Downey and I have had the opportunity to interact with Gabriel Enamorado through a couple artistic gatherings of arts and culture leaders throughout Los Angeles County. I would like to express my support for the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art facility from the City's Art In Public Places fund.

Through the work we do as an organization that advocates for Los Angeles County artists, I know the deep impact that Stay Gallery has on their community. As a matter of fact, when we were seeking arts leaders that represented the big hubs of Los Angeles County, Stay was one of the only arts organizations in the area and it's vital and essential that arts access remains in your community. The care and passion that Stay has for Downey residents and the hub they have created is essential. Arts and culture organizations, like Stay Gallery, provide community residents and artists the chance to reflect on their own lives and to center creativity and innovation in their day to day lives. Also, communities that have arts and cultural centers enhance the economics in the area as folks travel to visit galleries, museums, and theaters and then support the surrounding restaurants or businesses.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support arts access for Downey artists, youth, families and residents by voting in favor of a renewed operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Patricia Garza
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Item No. 13
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Sharon Lavery
Downey Symphonic Society
Board mfDirectors
Anthony [respo'President
Eric Pierce, Vice President
Mary Stevens, Secretary
Tom Hutchinson, Treasurer
Pat Gil
Robert Goldstein
William Hare
QoriaHernandez'K4uhoz
RuthHiUecke
Mark Keller
Cindy Kovach
Larry Lewis
Lorine Parks
LindaSa|dana
Orchestra Manager &
Executive Assistant
Laura]esson
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STATE CAPITOL
November 7, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
Item No. 13
I am writing to express my support for the ongoing funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Places fund. Advocating for government investment in the arts can yield a multitude of positive outcomes for individuals, communities, and society at large.

Public funding for artistic endeavors holds significant importance in fostering cultural enrichment, enhancing education, driving economic progress, promoting community development, and ultimately contributing to the overall betterment of our society.

I respectfully ask the Downey City Council to add Stay Gallery's ongoing funding from the Art in Public Places fund to a future city council meeting agenda for public voting. In addition, I urge council members to show their support for Downey's artists, youth, and families by voting in favor of maintaining Stay Gallery's funding. If you have any questions, please contact my District Director, Chris Torres at 562-861-5803 or [email protected].

Item No. 13
November 27, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Kathy Perez and I am currently the President of The Downey Conservancy. As many of you know, our organization was founded in 2010 and is dedicated to preserving Downey's historic and cultural resources. On behalf of our Board of Directors and our members, I would like to express our support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Places fund.

Arts and cultural spaces play a crucial role in preserving a society's cultural heritage and history.

Public funding is essential to ensuring that these spaces have the necessary resources to acquire, preserve and exhibit artistic and cultural works.

In addition to providing the space for people to engage in the arts and creative activities, Stay Gallery has partnered with our organization to provide space for our monthly meetings, as well as our community historic preservation lectures, exhibitions, and fundraising events, including our Historic Downtown Downey Walking Tours. Stay Gallery has contributed to our mission and impact in the community. The Stay Gallery is a necessary place in our community — vital to Downey's quality of life for its residents.

I respectfully urge the Downey City Council to preserve this cultural resource by approving Stay Gallery's continued funding from the Art in Public Places in a public vote at your council meeting on November 28tn
Thank you.

Sincerely,

Item No. 13
November 27, 2023
City of Downey Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Yvette Puente, this is my eighteenth -year teaching Art at Downey High School. I currently teach Art Design, Advanced Art Design and AP 2-D Studio Art. I would like to express my support for the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art facility from the City's Art In Public Places fund. • Stay Gallery has hosted my Advanced and AP students on many occasions. Students were able to see current exhibitions and the Gallery directors even set up opportunities to talk to the actual artists.

It is always a great experience for my students to see art in a gallery setting and ask the artists questions about their work and creative process. Many of them stating that they had not been to an art gallery or art museum before their visit to Stay. The fact that the Gallery is walking distance from not only our school, but so many others in the district makes it such an asset to our DUSD students. Our last field trip to Stay was last April 2023. ( I have included a picture from this trip of my Art students at the Gallery.) My current students are looking forward to getting the opportunity to visit Stay Gallery this school year, just like my former students have.
• Stay Gallery has also hosted several Art shows not only for Downey Art students, but our Photography students as well. This has given our Downey students the amazing opportunity of having their work displayed in an actual Art gallery. Not only was it a valuable experience for our students, but it was also a special moment for their families and the community to view the talents of our students.

The directors, Gabriel and Juliana are very open to ideas and are always to eager to host our students and collaborate with event ideas. They have a true dedication to giving everyone access to the Arts and making it available to our students and the community. As an artist myself, I wish I had a place like Stay growing up.
• The current exhibition on display called the Local Group Show 5, features the artwork of two of my former students (graduates of Downey High) and one current student. This shows you that even after our students graduate, they still have a connection to Stay and can engage with the art community in ways that would probably not be possible without the gallery. • The following are statements from two current Downey High AP art students. I wanted to give you a look into what the gallery means to them:
"I love Stay Gallery! It's been a place that has opened up my experiences as an artist. I got inspired and I admire the Gallery and what it has to offer artists." -12`h grade Student: Art Luiz "For the past couple of years visiting and even having the opportunity to showcase my work at Stay Gallery, I can say with full honesty that the work they have done to support artists of all kinds and ages is truly admirable. I've enjoyed seeing the community grow over the past few years. Having a gallery in

Downey shows that there is support for those involved in the art world and it helps encourage others to involve themselves in this community." -12t" grade Student: Athena Corona • Art spaces like Stay Gallery are important for the community to have access to because, art is essential to our society. Art gives the opportunity for expression, provokes thought, and most importantly stimulates creativity in people of all ages. Cultures are united through the arts which helps build better communities. It brings people together and unites them through shared experiences and gives them a platform to express their uniqueness. An analysis from the National Endowment for the Arts, drawing from data from four longitudinal studies, found that "students with high levels of arts involvement had more positive outcomes in a variety of areas, from high school graduation rates to civic participation." The arts allow for a broaden set of opportunities for individual experiences and growth.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Yvette Puente
Downey High School Visual Arts Teacher

11/14/2023 Item No. 13
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Julia Bielenberg, I am an Arts Enrichment Teacher with Stay Gallery as well as a small business owner/vendor and I would like to express my support for the continued funding of Stay Gallery from the City of Downey's Art In Public Places fund.

As an Arts Enrichment Teacher working in Downey Public Schools I have seen firsthand how important Stay Gallery is to the students of Downey. As a small business owner and vendor I have been directly impacted by the market put on by Stay Gallery.
• Each time I enter the classroom my students are ecstatic to learn what they will be creating that day. Without Stay Gallery the schools I work at, Carpenter Elementary and Lewis Elementary, would have no art classes and the students would have no outlet to express their creativity. Some of my students are dropped off at 6:30am for the morning program and stay at school until 6pm. 12 hour days would be long for any of us but they become harder when there is no space for creativity, play, or fun. • At the end of the last school year Stay Gallery put together a Student Exhibition, it was the first time many of my students got to see their work celebrated. It was heartwarming to see their families support them and how excited they all were. In every class I have taught this school year I have been asked if we will be having a Gallery Show again, some of my students have even started preparing artwork that they want to exhibit this year. • Stay Gallery has helped me grow immensely as an educator and I have learned how to best support my students through whatever challenges they may face. • As a recent LA transplant I would not be a part of the Downey Community if it had not been for Stay Gallery. Now I spend the majority of my week in the city of Downey and have grown to love the city, its communities, and businesses. I am even considering moving to Downey this spring if the Gallery continues to be funded by the city. • Along with being an Arts Enrichment Teacher I am also a small business owner and a vendor at markets throughout Los Angeles. I recently vended at Downey Pride and at Stay Gallery's opening reception for their current exhibition Group Show 5. Comparing my experience vending at Downey Pride and at Stay Gallery I had much more foot traffic and made more sales in the 3 hours of the Stay Gallery Reception than I did during the 8 hours of Downey Pride.
• As the only free Art space in Downey, the Stay Gallery provides an incredibly important community space where people can gather and learn about the City of Downey.

Sincerely,
Julia `t3 knberg

Item No. 13
November 27, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council 11111
Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Maribel Carbajal-Guzman, and I am a 16-year high school teacher at Downey High School and teach Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and AP Drawing. As a member of our community who is in daily contact with the youth of our city, I would like to express my support for the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art facility from the City's Art in Public Places fund.

Throughout most of my career, Stay Gallery has welcomed me and my students to participate in a myriad of events:
• Yearly fieldtrips have provided my students with experiences to help them become more well-rounded and distinct individuals who appreciate the arts and cultural diversity exhibited at Stay Gallery.
• My students have visited with professional artists at Stay and have been inspired by their work and stories.
• Free workshops have provided my students with creative growth opportunities and experiences my school would otherwise not be able to fund. • Collaborative group exhibitions with our sister school, Warren High, have helped to bridge our community and build relationships while instilling a professional work ethic in the students who helped curate the show.

All in all, Stay Gallery is a safe all-inclusive space for all my teen students. Without Stay, my students and I will not longer have a free, and close space (within walking distance) where we could explore the art and artists of our community. For many of my students, visiting Stay Gallery is the only field trip they get to experience as high school students. Closing Stay will strip them of these experiences and opportunities.

Sincerely,
VAPA Teacher
Downey High School

Board of Education
President
Giovanna Perez -Saab
Vice President
Nancy A. Swenson
Clerk
Linda Salomon Saldana
Members
Tyrone Conde
D. Mark Morris
Jose J. Rodriguez
Barbara R. Samperi
Superintendent
John A. Garcia, Jr., Ph.D.

Downey Unified School District item No. 13
Downey High School
11040 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California 90241
(562) 869-7301, FAX: (562) 469-7340
November 28, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Michelle Napoli and I am a photography teacher at Downey High School where I have worked for the past twenty years. I would like to express my support for the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art facility from the City's Art In Public Places fund.

Stay Gallery has hosted my students, fellow DHS photography teacher Ronda Cordova, and me for various fieldtrips for photography exhibits over the years. These trips are important to our program because we can take ALL 360 students annually, instead of only those who fit on one bus, since the community gallery is close enough that we are able to walk there. Not only are they able to see art but the gallery always arranges for us to have presentations from those directly involved with the exhibits. Lauren Temple, curator of motherHOOD, photographer Jeffrey Robins of the exhibit I Thought I Saw the Light, and Bob Thompson, President of the Downey Historical Society have been among some of our speakers over the years. In addition to these guest speakers, Executive Director Gabriel Enamorado and Programs Director Juliana Canty of Stay Gallery serve as additional voices for the students, where they can see diversity in those involved with the arts and break stereotypes by showing the inclusivity.

We have also partnered with the Stay Gallery for annual student exhibits: The Digital Project, where 360 students annually display their photography or digital images in this professional space. Art exhibits are also hosted on campus but there is something different and special when the events are held off campus at Stay Gallery. They host an opening reception where friends and families can view student art in addition to opening the gallery for walking field trips so all students will see their work as part of the show. Because of this experience, I have had students go on to become educators for the after -school programs and bridge the gap between high school and college and career opportunities.

I have witnessed first-hand the importance of how this space and their programs contribute to the City of Downey's arts and cultural landscape through education directed at the teen population who do not currently have many other options in the city. Fostering the arts are essential to help improve community engagement, so I respectfully urge the City Council to support arts access for Downey artists, youth, families, and residents by voting in favor of a renewed operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey. I fear if this agreement is not renewed, we will lose this valuable resource that is irreplaceable.

Sincerely,
Michelle C. Napoli
Photography Teacher
Downey High School

Item No. 13
November 28, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
I I I I I Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
RE: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Major Frometa and City Council Members
My name is Madeleine Galas and I am artist who plays an active role in my community. I am writing on behalf of Bald Bitches Press, my growing art business, supporting the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art facility from the City's Art In Public Places fund.

I participated as a vendor in Stay Gallery's Group Show 5, which included an opening reception paired with community artists tabling outside. At Stay's 5 hour market, with a vendor fee of $30, we profited $225. At Downey Pride, a hour, city -sponsored, market with a vendor fee of $125, we only profited $94. This just goes to show the incredible foot traffic and show of community that supports Stay Gallery. As a vendor, a cheap vendor fee can be life -changing. Having a space that encourages artists to show their work and sell it, and doesn't suck up all their funding is incredibly important for the community in terms of economic support, as well as for inspiring the youth to pursue art as a hobby or career.

As an individual, I also work for Stay Gallery as a substitute art teacher for their after school programs in partnership with DFEO in Downey's school district. I get to witness first-hand the impact that an art class has on developing brains, how these kids relieve stress by scribbling and how their eyes light up when inspired by a new project, a new way of seeing the world. I have kids in my classes who change their mind about not wanting to participate when they realize they they CAN do it! Not only does Stay provide valuable resources to its community of youth, but these youths in turn inspire adults like me, who sometimes need a little cheer to keep going. And of course these classes are what pays my rent, like everyone else.

Sincerely,
Madeleine Galas

Item No. 13
November 28, 2023
City of Downey
Attn: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding
Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
Is it not worth it for a strong community like Downey to invest in what has become a deeply relevant venue for artistic programs and unforgettable experiences? One thing that became all too apparent to me during the Covid-19 crisis is that we only grapple with how much we actually need the arts in the moments that seem the darkest. In those moments, kids lash out for mediums to express their wild emotions, adults rely on created content to ease the stress of their daily lives, and families come together to experience their world through different lenses.

In those moments we demand more art, true, but we don't have to be in crisis to secure the place of our premiere arts gallery. Stay Gallery, along with the Downey Arts Coalition and the Downey Symphony, are the three pillars of the arts within the City of Downey, and they must be protected to preserve the soul of the community. There is still so much room for these entities to grow and bring much needed joy and prestige to Downey. If you can walk into Stay Gallery, take a look around, and not feel the necessity of its presence in Downey, then there isn't much I can tell you. What I do know is that continuing to fund Stay Gallery will be a move toward the version of Downey that the community can be proud of, rather than the cultureless shopping desert it will eventually become with its removal.

Sincerely,
Kevin Ezeh

Item No. 13
Linda Thai
From:

Lissette Rivera
Sent:

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 1:55 PM
To:

Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Cc:
staygallery@org; Lissette Rivera
Subject:

Stay Gallery Future within our city.

Good evening, City Councilmembers and Madam Major Frometa.

As a parent and special needs advocate for over 10 years, I've had the privilege of helping so many families within this community and others. I have witnessed the benefits of art therapy and what it has given to all of my clients. Helping children who are neurodivergent cope with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues through art. We are at a turning point where mental health cannot be ignored and the benefits of art cannot be suppressed. Art enrichment programs not only help neurodivergent children but also children who gravitate to arts. Not everyone is meant to be a sports player.

We can also not ignore the economic impact that the Stay Gallery has on the city. Whenever there is an exhibit or any art program that is given by the Stay Gallery, the patriots stay within our city, go to our restaurants or shops, bring business into the picture, and generate tax revenue for our city. Again, this will help our community thrive and be a force benefiting our future generations and the equity of our very own properties and establishments.

We can no longer be a city that only welcomes bars and restaurants into our community. We need to diversify and keep the Stay Gallery as a means of attraction and enrichment for our city. Perfect examples of cities that have permanent art galleries established in their cities are Glendale, South Pasadena, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Irvine, and Laguna Beach. These cities are all thriving forces and perfect examples of a diverse and enriched community.

Sincerely,
Lissette Rivera
Special -Needs Advocate and Community Leader

Item No. 13
November 28, 2023
City of Downey
Attention: Downey City Council
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
Re: Letter of Support for Stay Gallery's Continued Funding Dear Mayor Frometa and City Council Members,
My name is Pat Gil, current President of the Downey Art's Coalition. I would like to express my support for the renewal of an operating agreement between Stay Arts and the City of Downey, and the continued funding of Stay Gallery as a public art Facility from the City's Art in Public Places fund.

First, I would like to say, that I didn't think that we would find ourselves it this position, but sadly we do.

For many years after the Downey Museum of Art closed, we have not had a place to showcase artists or art in our community, until Stay Gallery opened it's doors. The first couple of years that Stay was open, it struggled, but ever since Gabriel Enamorado and Juliana Canty have been operating the Gallery it has flourished and is a vital part of our community in so many ways.

Stay Gallery is the only gallery that Downey has, it was a big step that the City of Downey took in the right direction, of course anything new to the community takes a while to fine tune, and Gabriel and Juliana have invested so much blood, sweat and tears into doing that. I feel the Downey Community would be taking ten steps back if we lost Stay Gallery, then where would we be. Again, the City that lost it's museum, and now it's Gallery. Every City that cares and supports it's community supports the arts, just because we have some festivals, does not mean we support the arts. Local artists should have a place that supports them, and where other organizations that are involved with the arts can partner up on projects, and mutual goals.

The Art in Public Places fund is to support arts in the community, that it's purpose, please support this. It should not be used for Downtown Downey improvements, this is what I keep hearing the funds might be used for, I hope this is just a bad rumor.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support arts access for Downey artists, youth, families and residents by voting in favor of a renewed operating agreement between Say Arts and the City of Downey.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Pat Gil
President
Downey Arts Coalition

Item No. 14
Linda Thai
From: Marcella Barba-Olmos
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 11:47 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment; Claudia M. Frometa Subject: RE: Grants to Non -Profit Organizations
I just read the Downey Patriot article about prospective non-profit organization grants. I certainly hope that the council will still consider granting a portion of this funding to LA CADA despite what a single employee has recommended.

More comprehensive homeless services are definitely needed, not only food distribution, which is important too but basically a bandaid for deeper issues.

Sincerely,
1

Downey City CouncilNovember 28, 2023

Downey City Council
November 28, 2023