AGENDA REPORT
City Council
MEETING
DATE:
August 12, 2026
PREPARED
BY:
Pete Weichers, City
Clerk
DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR:
Pete Weichers, City
Clerk
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk CITY
MANAGER:
Jennifer Campbell
SUBJECT:
Council to hear from applicants and make one appointment to the Commission for the Arts RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Hear from applicants regarding qualifications and interest in serving on the Commission for the Arts;
2) Discuss as needed; and
3) Council to consider approval of the Mayor’s recommendations for one (1) appointment to the Commission for the Arts to fill an unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The action is also exempt from CEQA under Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
This item does not relate to the Climate Action Plan.
GENERAL PLAN / CITY COUNCIL FOCUS AREAS
The recommended actions align with 2026-27 City Council Focus Area 2 – Effective & Reliable City Services, Infrastructure, and Communications.
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 1 of 15
FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
On February 11, 2026, the City Council voted to appoint Chris Cote to the Commission for the Arts to fill a scheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.
On June 1, 2026, Commissioner for the Arts Cote informed staff that he was resigning from the Commission for the Arts.
The vacancy was advertised on the City’s website, social media, city newsletter, and posted on the City Hall bulletin board. The deadline for submitting applications was June 18, 2026. A total of four (4) eligible applications were received as follows:
• James Exley
• Heidi Farrow
• Mel Meagher
• Adriana Santo Tomas
Pursuant to Encinitas Municipal Code Section 2.20.020.H, “The Mayor, with approval of the City Council, shall make all appointments to boards, commissions, and committees unless otherwise provided by statute.”
ATTACHMENT:
1. Commission for the Arts Applications
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 2 of 15
Submit Date: Jun 08, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Upload a Resume
City of Encinitas Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Commission for the Arts: Eligible
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter of the City of Encinitas
Yes No
Interests & Experiences
Why are you interested in serving on a commission and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
I grew up in a family with limited resources, and no family members who were visual. It wasn't until I went to college that I had the opportunity to engage with art, and discovered that I am inherently visual by nature. That changed my entire life, as I proceeded to pursue my love of photography and have now spent several decades in the creative industries as a commercial and fine art photographer, a commercial director, an executive producer, and now the owner of a creative services company. I strongly believe in the community value of providing access and opportunity to engage with the arts. I would like to be a part of helping Encinitas flourish in its mission to foster communal engagement and education in the arts.
James Exley
Encinitas CA 92024
James_Exley_Resume_2026.pdf
James Exley
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 3 of 15
Please note: All information on this application is deemed a public record and will be provided to anyone requesting a copy. Addresses, phone numbers and e-mail information will be redacted prior to placing in archives located on the City’s web page.
James Exley
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 4 of 15
James Exley
VNKLE Co-Founder & Chief Creative Of3icer
Jan ’25 – Present - Co-Founded VNKLE as C.C.O. and Head of Strategy. - Lead all creative and strategic direction from concept through delivery, setting the standard for how the work gets made and ensuring every project is delivered according to VNKLE’s standards and client needs. - Built and reTined a curated freelance operating model, assembling bespoke teams of specialists to execute projects optimally.
- Developed partnerships with brands, agencies and creative talent to win and deliver work. - Instilled a culture of craft and curiosity across the company and its post-production subsidiary, AVNTIE.
The Designory Executive Producer (promoted)
Oct ’22 – May ’24 - Leadership role implementing and overseeing all processes related to creative content and live action production from beginning to end.
- Managed partnerships with Account, Creatives and Clients to develop award-winning campaigns that targeted Client marketing objectives successfully.
- Responsible for oversight of briefs intake, scope vetting, team assembly and all elements through Tinal delivery.
- Oversaw productions in both large and small markets nationally, as well as internationally as far aTield as Singapore.
- Helped design and implement operational frameworks for production capability growth. Expanded Designory’s Live Action production network and capabilities. - Instilled a culture of curiosity and engagement that resulted in increasingly optimized workTlows.
Focused on team and partner development with an emphasis on long-term growth. Lead, managed and developed direct reports and subordinates to achieve better team cohesion and performance. - Involved in CSR focus with entities such as Green The Bid. Championed increased DEI involvement by focusing on locating and presenting amazing DEI creative and talent options for every production.
The Designory Producer
Sept ’21 – Oct ’22 - Partnered with Account and Creative teams to execute operations related to a wide variety of commercial productions.
- Oversaw budgets for live action productions and internal studio operations. - Utilized expertise in project development, brieTing and tracking to optimize cross-functional project management.
Exley Pictures Owner / Operator
Mar ’16 – Sep ’21 - Photographed and directed campaigns for major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, VISA, Intel, Cadillac, Made Goods, InTiniti, etc.
- Produced the majority of Exley Pictures productions, including handling all aspects of bidding, creative conception, pre, line and post-production.
- Handled all marketing and sales responsibilities for Exley Pictures. Independently pursued and obtained top-tier brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and VISA as clients. - Formed strong client relationships that resulted in continued work with all clients over years. 2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 5 of 15
Chris Burkard Studio Manager
Sep ’15 – Mar ’16 - Oversaw all aspects of the Burkard studio, including but not limited to oversight of 4 FTEs plus multiple interns at the same time.
- Traveled with Chris as Line Producer and 2nd Unit Photographer on projects globally to places such as Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Built an improved DAM system for the studio and oversaw social media operations for the more than
1.5m followers that Chris had at the time.
Freelance Photo Assistant, Lighting Tech, Producer
Jan ’11 – Sep ’15 - Traveled constantly with various top-tier photographers as freelance Assistant, Lighting Tech and Producer.
- Continued to build on knowledge of live action production for both stills and motion from Executive Producers.
- Built an extensive national production network.
- Oversaw the ground-up build of DAM systems for multiple studios.
Paul Elledge First Assistant & Studio Manager (promoted) Photography
Jan ’07 – Jan ’11 - Started as an unpaid intern and within 6 months was offered the position of full-time 1st Assistant. - Eventually took over the Studio Manager position as well and ran the largest photo studio in Chicago for Paul Elledge for over three years.
- Developed outstanding knowledge and expertise in all aspects of photography: creative ideation, photoshoot production, retouching and post workTlows and DAM system building. - Worked closely with Adobe, Capture One and other vendors to provide feedback and help optimize their new and developing softwares such as Lightroom, CaptureOne, etc.
Marketing Mobile Marketing Team Member
Werks
Apr ’06 – Oct ’06 - Spent seven months on the road working on a marketing initiative for the CDC. Handled all line production logistics related to a bi-coastal national marketing campaign. - Upon returning to Chicago was offered one of only two available in-ofTice manager positions at Marketing Werks but turned down the opportunity to pursue commercial photography.
Moosejaw Assistant Store Manager
Mountaineering
Sept ’05 – Apr ’06 - Managed a retail location in Chicago, IL. - Oversaw retail logistics for a store doing $1,000,000 in annual sales. - Responsible for employee scheduling, store stocking, shipment of product, sales implementation and customer satisfaction & engagement, with the brand.
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 6 of 15
Wheaton B.A. Communication – New Media Theory
College
Aug ’00 – May ’05
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 7 of 15
Submit Date: Jan 22, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Upload a Resume
City of Encinitas Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Commission for the Arts: Eligible
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter of the City of Encinitas
Yes No
Interests & Experiences
Why are you interested in serving on a commission and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
I belive strongly in the power of art to connect, lift and make meaning of this life. I have studied, taught and currently make art. Professionally I have worked as a graphic designer and for the last 20 years in an architecture office as operational manager and making websites and signage. I think quite a bit about creativity’s role in mental health and how to cure loneliness. I think art is one way. I also believe that it is vital part of a flourishing city which translates to a stronger economy and community. I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to support our city as a member of the arts commission Please note: All information on this application is deemed a public record and will be provided to anyone requesting a copy. Addresses, phone numbers and e-mail information will be redacted prior to placing in archives located on the City’s web page.
Heidi Farrow
Cardiff CA 92007
Heidi_Farrow-experience.pdf
Heidi Farrow
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 8 of 15
HEIDI FARROW
ARTIST/DESIGNER
E X P E R I E N C E
PROFESSIONAL
2003-Present: Wonderloo/Heidi Newton Graphic Agency Cardiff, CA Founder/Lead Designer
Graphic Design
Product Development
2008-Present: Brett Farrow Architect, Inc. Cardiff, CA
Operations & Studio Partner
Interiors and Graphic Design
Art Curation/Consulting
Marketing
Property Management
2002-2006: India Ink Papers San Diego, CA
Designer & Sales Associate
Interiors and Graphic Design
Art Curation/Consulting
1998-1999: Portsmouth Children’s Museum Portsmouth, NH
Educator/Docent
Classes, events, tours
Assisted with exhibits
EDUCATION
2002-2004: Art Institute San Diego, CA
Certificate in Graphic & Web Design
1995-1999: University of New Hampshire Durham, NH
Bachelors in Studio Art
Graduated with Honors
COMMUNITY
2026-Present: SDUHSD Strategic Plan Parent Forum Encinitas, CA Parent Liaison
2011-2019: Cardiff Elementary School Cardiff, CA
Art Docent
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 9 of 15
Submit Date: Jan 17, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Upload a Resume
City of Encinitas Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Commission for the Arts: Eligible
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter of the City of Encinitas
Yes No
Interests & Experiences
Why are you interested in serving on a commission and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
Greetings! I'm very interested in joining the Commission for the Arts as I have been a long term arts lover and fervent advocate. I served on the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego's board of directors for two years and have since furthered my support for the arts both professionally and personally. I run UNFOLD Projects: we restore old spaces and turn them into artist residencies. Our first project is in Encinitas and will host artists starting this summer. The goal is to give artists time and space to better their practices for the planet. I would love to plug myself in more to Encinitas's arts ecosystem, so see how we can thread together a web of possibilities. As a queer nonbinary person, I am especially passionate about providing opportunities to those that are underrepresented, especially in the arts, and finding fresh, innovative ways to uplift creativity, especially when it comes to regenerating our earth.
Mel Meagher
Encinitas CA 92024
Mel Meagher
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 10 of 15
Please note: All information on this application is deemed a public record and will be provided to anyone requesting a copy. Addresses, phone numbers and e-mail information will be redacted prior to placing in archives located on the City’s web page.
Mel Meagher
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 11 of 15
Submit Date: Jan 22, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Upload a Resume
City of Encinitas Boards & Commissions
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Commission for the Arts: Eligible
Question applies to Planning Commission,Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission Applicants must have resided as a registered voter in the community area for which appointed for no less than six (6) months prior to appointment, and maintain residency and voter registration in the community area for which appointed. *
Leucadia
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter of the City of Encinitas
Yes No
Interests & Experiences
Why are you interested in serving on a commission and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
I want the best for our city and its residents. I am a working mother, who wants to help in shaping a safe, healthy, fun and loving community for everyone. I believe that serving on a commission is a rare opportunity to serve my city and its citizens and will be a great way to get to know my neighbors and work together in continuously developing a city that works for everyone.
Adriana Santo Tomas
Encinitas CA 92024
Adriana_Santo_Tomas_CV.pdf
Adriana Santo Tomas
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 12 of 15
Please note: All information on this application is deemed a public record and will be provided to anyone requesting a copy. Addresses, phone numbers and e-mail information will be redacted prior to placing in archives located on the City’s web page.
Adriana Santo Tomas
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 13 of 15
ADRIANA SANTO TOMAS
EXPERIENCE
2015-present COO at Synapse Revenue Cycle Management, California Oversee daily operations of 500 full time staƯ
2014-2015 Travel through Asia and America
2012-2014 Art Buyer at Heimat Werbeagentur GmbH, Berlin Responsible for delivering projects for major corporate brands on budget and on time 2012 Junior Project Manager at Sugarhigh Publishing GmbH, Berlin Coordinated promotions for clients
2010-2011 Course-related fieldwork at SOS Children’s Villages, Manila 2007-2008 Contributing writer for Whitehot Magazine, Berlin; Focus: art and cultural events in Berlin
2007 Contributing writer for social networking start-up Yumondo, Berlin Focus: cultural events in Berlin
2007 Intern, Art Forum Berlin, Berlin
Focus: organization and translation concerning the Art Forum Talks 2007 Curator, New York University in Berlin’s Kleingeld Exhibit, Berlin 2006 Marketing Intern, Continuum International Publishing Group, New York City PR coordinator for newly published books
2005 Intern, Filter Media Music Marketing Magazine, Los Angeles and New York City PR coordinator for the music marketing team
2001-2004 Executive Assistant, Synapse Medical Management, Los Angeles 2002-2004 Sales Specialist, Wright’s, Los Angeles
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 14 of 15
EDUCATION
2009-2011 Stockholm’s University, Stockholm, Masters in Social Anthropology 2003-2007 New York University, New York City, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human
Development, Bachelor of Science in Mass Media and Communication Studies 2007 Humboldt University of Berlin, Semester abroad in Berlin 2005 University of Barcelona, Semester abroad in Barcelona
SKILLS & MISCELLANEOUS
Proficient in MS OƯice, Outlook, and Publisher
Language: English (mother tongue), German, Swedish (fluent), Spanish (basic) Certified Open Water Scuba Diver
2026-08-12 Item #10A Page 15 of 15