Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 19, 2025
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
May 19, 2025
Location: Manhattan Beach City Council Chambers
1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hybrid (in-person/Zoom)
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tokashiki called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Colmey, Patterson, Chair Tokashiki, Torrey, Padnos (4:26 pm) , Vice Chair Karger
Absent: None
Staff present: Senior Recreation Supervisor (SRS) Eric Brinkman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Cultural Arts Supervisor (CAS) Randy Niessen, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 21, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Karger/Patterson) to approve the April 21, 2025 minutes with three changes:
with “Chair Tokashiki and Commissioners Karger and Torrey.”
Motion passed unanimously by voice vote: 6-0.
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) –
Jacquie Talis Ferro addressed the Commission (listen to tape)
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Surf Ascension Sculpture discussion
SRS Eric Brinkman presented for commission consideration : Surf Ascension is a sculpture by artist Domisi Partham, dedicated to those suffering fr om cancer and brain trauma, which was engaged by the North End BID. The sculpture has been on display on Highland (west side) in walk -street right-of-way adjacent to 3421 Highland (North End Café) through a city lease. After a brief presentation by SRS Brinkman, the Commission discussed various options for a CAC recommendation to council, as the lease is soon to expire. Three main options are: 1) keep in situ as part of city’s permanent collection; 2) extend contract for 3 years and direct staff to create a budget to implement; 3) let lease lapse, resulting in the sculpture’s removal and return to the artist. The Commission discussed pros and cons of each option. In discussing the Commission found: the artist is amenable to receiving the art work back and is thankful
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 19, 2025
2 for this opportunity; there was very little public input from nearby residents in the area when opinions were solicited by postcard; maintenance issues, and, among other issues, the removal of the artwork may create another opportunity for display of another artwork in this location, provided the pedestal and area remains suitable.
It was moved and seconded (Karger/Patterson) that the lease, upon end of term, be cancelled (not renewed) and the sculpture be returned to the artist.
The Chair called for public comments. Seeing none, the chair called for a vote; the motion passed unanimously 6-0.
2. Work Plan Item Discussion
a. Utility Box Beautification – Phase III . SRS Brinkman updated: At the last meeting the Commission short-listed 20 submittals and staff is working on suggestions for locations which will be submitted to City Council “on consent” calendar tentatively in July.
b. Murals. SRS Brinkman updated: the artist is prepping/repairing the wall surface ; completion expected by end of May/soon after.
c. Sculpture Garden. remains paused.
d. New Art Initiatives
i. Public Art Brochure: Per SRS Brinkman: CAS Niessen is editing; paper copies are now available at MBAC. Professionally printed copies will be done after editing; brochure to be unveiled to the public at city council meeting May 20, in the “Community Announcements” portion of the agenda.
ii. Poet Laureate. (Patterson, Colmey, Padnos) SRS Brinkman updated : staff has reviewed final edits and is making a few revisions, including among submittal requirements, at least 2 professional references are to be provided. The CAC recommendation will be taken to city council for approval aiming for August. SRS Brinkman will in the interim have conversations with the Library Commission and LA County regarding being involved in implementing.
The Chair called for public input; none received.
iii. Memorial for the Fallen – Per SRS Brinkman: APPC committee, including James Gill, met again with Gary McAulay and concluded that location including former “pot and pole” sites, need much thought. APPC will meet on June 4 for a walk through. The goal is to get council final approval by August.
3. Selection of 2025-2026 Chair and Vice Chair
It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Patterson) that Commissioner Karger succeed Commissioner Tokashiki as Chair. Motion passed 6-0.
It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Colmey) that Commissioner Patterson succeed Commissioner Karger as Vice Chair. Motion passed 6-0.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 19, 2025
3 Hearty expressions of thanks and recognition were made by both outgoing Chair Tokashiki and incoming Chair Karger. Outgoing student commissioner Padnos was also recognized.
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H. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Division updates: SRS Brinkman reported:
• Planning for Juneteenth progresses for two events 6/17 (Thursday) at Bruce’s Beach a more somber event, and then 6/22 a festival at Polliwog Park. He mentioned several event highlights. • Annual Community Art Exhibit 2025 opens mid-July - Window for submittals closes June 1st. • Concerts in the Park: programming is done for; June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 5:00-7:00 p.m. Per tradition the inaugural concert will feature “Salute to the Troops”. • MBAC Exhibition “Let Me Fix You a Plate” - Keith Magruder, continues through .June 29 • Bruce’s Beach artwork; The APPC met to consider applications (102 applications, fantastic submittals). The top 20 will be determined soon,
• Social media: the MBAC has just gotten approval for a social media account – to be worked out by city communications team. Check out the MBAC Instagram account :
@manhattanbeachartcenter for all things MB Cultural arts.
PATF budget update - SRS Brinkman reported (approximately) • Total trust fund: 1.7 mil (approx.) no change
• Allocated: $908,000 (approx.)
• Un-allocated: $803,000 (approx.)
City Council updates: SRS Brinkman reported:
• LoveMB: at tomorrow’s council meeting will have its MOU up for formal approval and for appointment of a related city liaison. The city public works and city manager’s office are looking at projects for opportunities to promote donations to supplement regular funding sources. Staff is looking at developing a drop-down artist menu for public use related to LoveMB.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS – the Commission gave a hearty thanks and best wishes to Commissioner Padnos, who will be attending North Western University in the Fall as an Econ major. He chose NW because of its strong support of the arts.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:22 p.m. new Chair Karger moved, seconded by new Vice Chair Patterson; motion unanimously approved 6-0. Meeting adjourned to 4:00 pm, June 16, 2025