Arts & Culture Commission 1/15/2026
Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2026
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Victorino Bermejo, Joese Hernandez, Marlene
Peña-Marin, Debra Russell, Indigo Vu
Commission member absent:
Susie Lopez-Guerra, Miguel Ochoa,
Staff members present:
Marc Morley, Economic Development Manager
Tram Le, Arts and Culture Specialist
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: We received 2 e-comments that were shared with the Commission.
• Victor Payan – spoke in regards to item #5. He spoke in support of the Santa Ana Arts and Culture Master Plan, noting their organization’s key role in its development through advocacy and extensive community outreach. He identified unmet needs and urged the Commission to recommend: (1) increased arts funding to match program growth, (2) the addition of one to two arts staff positions, (3) creation of Arts Empowerment Zones to support cultural development and address gentri fication, and (4) use of professional panelists for grant reviews. He stated these actions align with the Arts and Culture Master Plan and would strengthen its impact .
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excused absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commission member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of October 16, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Arts & Culture Commission 1/15/2026
3. Regular meeting minutes of November 20, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Commissioner Bermejo, seconded by Commissioner Peña-Marin to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 5 – Debra Russell, Indigo Vu, Joese Hernandez, Marlene Peña-Marin, Victorino Bermejo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Susie A. Lopez-Guerra, Miguel Ochoa
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
WORK STUDY SESSION
4. Investing in the Artist Grant 2024-2025 – Grantee Presentations
Minutes:
• Luis Sarmiento provided a presentation for THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc. • Iliana Zepeda De Leon provided a presentation for “Ceramics in the Community”
Commission engaged in Q & A period and comments to the presenters
5. Discussion of Arts & Culture Master Plan Update
Minutes: Tram Le provided an update on the Arts & Culture Master Plan - provided background on the Community Arts and Culture Master Plan, completed in 2016 as a community-driven, 10-year plan following the formation of the Arts and Culture Commission. Developed with extensive stakeholder and nonprofit participation and guided by an external consultant, the plan is now in its final year and due for an update.
The presentation reviewed the plan’s eight original goal areas, including cultural equity and access, arts infrastructure, creative workforce development, community engagement, youth arts education, spaces and places, placemaking, and public art. It noted past progress, flagged areas for improvement, and emphasized that the upcoming refresh should better address current needs.
It was recommended that the Commission establish an ad hoc subcommittee to guide the update process, including community engagement, plan development, and presentation for Commission and City Council approval.
Arts & Culture Commission 1/15/2026
Q & A period ensued by the Commission.
An ad hoc committee has been established, composed of Commissioners Bermejo, Russell, and Chair Vu.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
COMMENTS
6. Staff member comments
Minutes: Tram Le – provided an update on the Mural Restoration Program: The City will proceed with the previously signed agreement for the mural restoration program, which does not include a VARA waiver. The project timeline has been delayed beyond the original expectation, and the agreement dates will be updated accordingly. An updated agreement will be emailed to each participating artist next week.
7. Commission member comments
Minutes:
• Commissioner Russell – Announced that t he Grand Central Art Center was recently awarded a substantial grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation, marking a repeat award. The grant supports the Art Center’s artist-in-residence program, which has produced innovative and impactful projects. Appreciation was expressed for the organization, with a recommendation that the City formally acknowledge the achievement. Several upcoming arts events were highlighted, including the Connect to Community Arts Festival hosted by OCSA this weekend, geared toward a younger audience and is family-friendly. Upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations were noted, with City -sponsored events at Centennial Park on Saturday, February 7, followed by Art Walk that evening.
Additionally, Cool Lab’s monthly open mic night was recognized f or its strong facilitation and diverse participation; the next event will take place on Thursday, February 12, at the Back Patio of the Forestry Market.
• Vice-Chair Hernandez – Raised a question regarding policies on consecutive commissioner absences and the need for consistent participation to fulfill Commission responsibilities. He shared on the role of art and community creativity, such as holiday light displays in fostering healing and resili ence during a challenging year. He expressed for continuing the Commission’s work on grants, sponsorships, and implementation of the Arts and Culture Master Plan. Potential funding sources, including cannabis revenues, were mentioned as opportunities to s trengthen arts programming. The need for additional staffing support, particularly part-time assistance for outreach and grant writing, was emphasized, along with hopes for increased funding advocacy with City Council.
• Commissioner Pena-Marin – Noted concerns that current staffing and funding levels are insufficient to implement the Commission’s goals. She shared from a
Arts & Culture Commission 1/15/2026
regional California Arts Council planning session, noting uncertainty about how long-term plans will translate into funding and staff ing support. The need for a centralized arts facility in Santa Ana, including performance and studio space, was emphasized. The Commissioner announced as part of Relampago del Cielo’s 50th anniversary, including Nuestros Trajes at Santa Ana College on February 7, a Student Showcase at Santa Ana High School on March 7, and a culminating event in August 15 with a Gala concert with the professional dance company at the Musco Center at Chapman University.
• Commissioner Bermejo – Shared some reflections on community events attended in December, including food drives organized by the City, Council members, and nonprofit partners. Youth- focused wellness and entrepreneurship programming, the Tamale Festival, and local business support for toy dr ives were noted. Congratulated the Danza Art es México on achieving nonprofit status founded by Juan Luis Torres. Additional recognition was given to Mosaic Movement and partners for inclusive toy drives serving special needs students and teens, as well as to community efforts supporting ICE-impacted families. Appreciation was expressed for strong volunteer engagement and community solidarity, and the speaker looked forward to the next Commission meeting.
• Chair Vu – Emphasizing that sustainability requires strong infrastructure, adequate resources, and effective workflows. The importance of institutional knowledge and historical context in supporting long- term sustainability was highlighted. Encouraged to advocate for funding to build policies and infrastructure that ensure continuity and effectiveness for current and future commissions. Also shared on the transition into the new year, emphasizing themes of renewal, collective effort, and collaboration.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission is scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted:
Bianca L. Zurita
Bianca L. Zurita
Executive Secretary/Recording Secretary