Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
September 15, 2025
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
November 17, 2025
Location: Manhattan Beach City Council Chambers
1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hybrid (in-person/Zoom)
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Karger called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: (7) Dickey, Rosenberg, Tokashiki, Colmey, Torrey, Vice Chair Patterson, Chair Karger.
Absent: None
Staff present: Senior Recreation Supervisor (SRS) Eric Brinkman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Cultural Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes: October 20, 2025
It was moved (Rosenberg) and seconded (Colmey) to approve the October minutes with one change: Pg 2, G.2.b. (Memorial for the Fallen) in line one, add Karger to the committee names, in addition to Tokashiki, Torrey. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: 7-0.
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Cultural Arts Commission Work Plan for 2025/2026
a. New Art Initiatives
i. Public Art Brochure (Karger, Tokashiki, Dickey): Chair Karger updated, noting that the committee did a dry run of the proposed 50-minute downtown art tour, using a draft script. As envisioned, each tour will be guided by one or more commissioners, in small groups . Chair Karger thanked her fellow commissioners for giving feedback and walking the proposed tour course. The commission reviewed the draft script, and clarified locations and information regarding several artworks. There was a consensus that for now, “meta tags” and printed maps would not be used, however if public interest is generated, these kinds of things can be considered. It was noted that although there will be a script, when leading the tour, the commissioners should feel free to ad -lib as appropriate. Marketing for the art tours is expected to start in December . Commissioner Colmey inquired regarding the Rainbow crosswalk on
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
September 15, 2025
2 MBB near the pier. Commissioner Tokashiki informed that this was a city public art installation, and its purpose is to symbolize the welcoming character of Manhattan Beach. SRS Brinkman clarified that the crosswalk was installed after RLA did the city public art survey and it will be added to the art inventory when RLA performs an update to the survey.
Chair Karger invited public comment.
Scott Yanofsky, resident, and builder of the city’s 9-11 memorial, urged that the city give a lot of thought towards maintenance of the public art that is approved.
ii. Poet Laureate (Patterson, Colmey) SRS Brinkman reported that he has met with the county branch manager and teen librarian) and discussed the concept of transitioning the proposed Poet Laureate program to LA County Public Library. The branch manager , Cassandra Sargent, reported that she discussed the idea with higher level county library management and it was determined that there was no mechanism for making that transition. However, it was suggested that there may be options whereby existing programming based on resources that are in place, can incorporate some aspects of the proposal. SRS Brinkman suggested that the committee meet with him to discuss options. Chair Karger volunteered to join the committee.
iii. Memorial for the Fallen (Tokashiki, Torrey, Karger) SRS Brinkman updated that the RFQ will be published in January, 2026 . After the submission window closes, the applications will be vetted by staff ; the Art in Public Places Committee ( APPC), and Cultural Arts Commission .
Ultimately the recommendations of the APPC and CAC will come before the City Council for review and approval including the allocation of funds from the Public Arts Fund and a decision on the memorial location. The RFQ will advise of the proposed locations with the caveat that a specific location has not yet been approved.
iv. Public Art Master Plan Revision (Colmey, Rosenberg) SRS Brinkman updated: Commissioners Colmey and Rosenberg have been recruiting for the APPC and eight applications have been received so far . Staff hopes to have the APPC formed and scheduled to meet in time for a proposal to go before the City Council at its January 6, 2026 meeting. Staff will request funding for contractors to assist staff. Commissioner Colmey reminded of upcoming events (Holiday fireworks 11/14 and Pier lighting 11/19), encouraging the commissioners to attend and promote this project; postcards can be obtained by email request this week to SRS Brinkman.
v. Bruce’s Beach Public Artwork . SRS Brinkman provided a brief overview of the project including public engagement (online survey, Open House, APPC meeting) advised that tonight the Commission will review each of the six short -listed artist proposals and select one finalist for a recommendation to the City Council. SRS Brinkman reviewed the criteria and rubric to be used: artistic merit (40 pts), site specificity (25 pts), flexibility (10 pts) and feasibility (25 pts) .
He noted that the APPC ranked the top 2, being April Banks “Building Paradise” (1) and Toni Scott “Unity: Circle of Memory” (2). SRS Brinkman noted that all of the 6 artists indicated they are open to modifying their concept.
SRS Brinkman reviewed and the Commission discussed each of six proposals, indicating positives as well as possible issues. He indicated that ADA compliance will need to be reviewed with Community Development. The six proposals reviewed include: A pril Banks “Building Paradise”; Austen Brantley (sculpture depicting a Black family at beach); Hana Ward (lounging
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
September 15, 2025
3 sculptural figures); Toni Scott (“Unity -Circle of Memory”); Nekisha Durrett (three vertical boards); and Xaviera Simmons (four standing figures).
The Commission reviewed and discussed each proposal. The consensus was that all of the applications were of a great caliber, but two rose to the top – April Banks and Toni Scott but that both should be revised to address concerns. For the April Banks design, it was felt that while the design was very relevant and spoke to the subject of the Bruce family and site, the semi enclosed architectural design should be made less enclosed and open to public view (a safety issue). For the Toni Scott proposal, it was felt that the artist could make the piece more site specific by adding historically relevant images on the base.
Chair Karger invited public comment.
Scott Yanofsky, resident, and builder of the city’s 9-11 memorial, feels that while all submissions are beautiful artworks, he feels it is really important that the selection reflect what the memorial is about and what happened at Bruce’s Beach.
Chair Karger called for a straw vote, for each commissioner naming a preferred artist , with the following results:
Commissioners with a preference for April Banks: Torrey, Rosenberg Commissions with a preference for Toni Scott: Karger, Tokashiki, Coley, Patterson, Dickey
It was subsequently moved (Karger) and seconded (Patterson) that the Commission recommend artist Toni Scott’s proposal, “Unity-Circle of Memory” be selected as the Bruce’s Beach public artwork, subject to the artist working with the city, to research and revise the proposal to incorporate specific references relating to the Bruce family /site history in the base area of the artwork.
AYES: Tokashiki, Colmey, Dickey, Torrey, Rosenberg, Vice Chair Patterson, Chair Karger
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Chair Karger announced the motion passed 7-0.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Division updates: SRS Brinkman announced:
• December 7: MBAC Open House, showcasing the works and programs offered by city instructors. • MBAC exhibit “Continuation” featuring the works of Charles Arnoldi, Natalie Arnoldi and Ryland Arnoldi, continues until December 28th.
City Council updates: City Council will review and approve the Commission’s next (2026-2027) Work Plan in February. At the next (January 21) CAC meeting, the Commission will discuss and finalize proposed projects for that Plan. All Commissioners should email ideas for work plan projects to Chair
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
September 15, 2025
4 Karger by December 15, and these could include items still active in the current work plan, ideas that may have been suggested in prior years, as well as brand new ideas.
PATF budget update: PAF currently has total balance of approximately $1.6 million, with $1.1 million allocated and approximately $500 thousand unallocated and available; no funds nearing expiration until end of 2026.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS - None
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:00 pm Chair Karger adjourned the meeting to January 21. No objection, so ordered.