Arts and Culture Commission 1 3/19/2026
Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2026
CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chairperson
Commission members present:
Victorino Bermejo
Joese Hernandez
Susie Lopez-Guerra (left at 7:01 PM)
Marlene Peña-Marin
Debra Russell
Staff members present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Marc Morley, Economic Development Manager
Tram Le, Arts and Culture Specialist
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: We received 17 e-Comments that were shared with the Commission.
• Ruby Woo – Spoke in regards to item #5. President of the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association reported on the restoration of the historic La Raza mural, noting the challenges associated with permits and approvals. Alicia Rojas was recognized for her assistance in guiding the process and establishing necessary procedures . She voiced support for the proposed public art preservation efforts, citing the importance of murals in safeguarding cultural heritage and community identity.
• Alicia Rojas – Spoke in regards to item #5. A lo
cal artist and Artist Coalition co- founder
addressed the commission, citing the historic damage to Sergio Cadiz’s mural and the ongoing need to preserve Chicano mural art and cultural heritage. She stressed that past losses were due to gaps in policy, process, and accountability. Support was expressed for the proposed policy, with recommended amendments including clear notification procedures, robust artist consultation standards, and greater community involvement in decision-making. She also urged the establishment of dedicated funding, such as a public art trust fund, to support maintenance and conservation efforts.
• John Spiak – Spoke in regards to item #5. S poke in support of the public art and preservation policy, underscoring the importance of safeguarding murals and cultural works as part of the city’s identity and historical memory. The speaker referenced the legacy of Chicano murals and contributions from Santa Ana College and past Arts Master Plan participants. A dvocated for increased funding beyond the proposed amount, emphasized the need for meaningful community engagement in public art decisions, and noted concerns that development benefits from the arts without adequately reinvesting in them.
Arts and Culture Commission 2 3/19/2026
• Victor Payan – Spoke in regards to item #4 and 5. Highlighted the economic impact of the arts and urged increased funding, noting that the arts contribute significantly to the city’s economy and quality of life. On behalf of Pocha Peña, the speaker recommended additional staffing, clearer preservation guid elines, and ensuring all public art, including grant-funded projects, falls under the policy. He cited successful models from other cities and expressed concern that the draft policy overly emphasizes murals while overlooking other art forms such as digital, sculptural, and interactive works. The speaker encouraged a more inclusive and forward- looking approach to public art and emphasized supporting artists through funding and recognition.
• Marina Aguilera – Spoke in regards to item #5. A n artist with over 5 0 years of contributions to the City of Santa Ana, spoke regarding concerns with certain proposed public art policy amendments. N oted that she would follow up with written comments to the commission for further consideration.
• Andrea Pinedo – Spoke in regards to item #5. S poke regarding the proposed public art policy, noting her long family history in Santa Ana and her involvement in city public art projects. She referenced the historical significance of Chicano murals and expressed concern over past loss of public artwork. The speaker expressed support for the development of a comprehensive public art policy and recommended amendments to strengthen transparency, artist protections, and community involvement, including public notification procedures, artist consultation aligned with relevant state laws, community representation in selection processes, and the establishment of a public art trust fund.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excused absences
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent Commission Member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of February 19, 2026
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Commissioner Bermejo, seconded by Commissioner Peña-Marin to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 5 – Debra Russell, Susie A. Lopez-Guerra, Joese Hernandez, Marlene Peña- Marin, Victorino Bermejo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 –
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
Arts and Culture Commission 3 3/19/2026
Vice-Chair Hernandez adjusted the agenda order to permit the Finance Department to present the budget.
WORK STUDY SESSION
4. City of Santa Ana Budget Presentation
Minutes: Shannon McCarron provided a brief overview of the current year budget, outlined the budget development process and current status, and encouraged community members to complete the annual priority survey. Survey results will inform City Council’s allocation of resources for Fiscal Year 2026 –27, covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
The Commission engaged in questions and comments.
5. City of Santa Ana Public Arts and Preservation Policy – Discussion and Community Feedback
Minutes: Tram Le explained that the City’s 2016 Arts and Culture Master Plan included a recommendation (Goal 8.1) for a public art program and policy. The draft policy has been developed over several years through commission discussions, subcommittee work, community forums, and stakeholder input. Staff clarified that the document serves as an internal administrative guide to assist city departments in coordinating public art processes, including commissioning, management, and maintenance. The policy is intended to support collaboration among multiple departments such as Community Development, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Libraries, and to ensure consistent and transparent procedures. Staff noted that while feedback has been extensively incorporated, additional input is still welcomed.
The Public Art Policy will be presented to City Council on April 21 st.
The Commission engaged in questions and comments
.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
3. Arts and Culture Special Events Sponsorship Applications for March 2026
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the Commission ratify the Arts and Culture Special Events Sponsorship application list for March 2026.
Minutes: Tram Le presented the final list of Arts & Culture Special Events Sponsorship Program applications reviewed by the Arts and Culture Commissioners. A total of 11 applications were received, with 7 funded.
Arts and Culture Commission 4 3/19/2026
Moved by Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Bermejo to Approve.
YES: 5 – Debra Russell, Susie A. Lopez-Guerra, Joese Hernandez, Marlene Peña- Marin, Victorino Bermejo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Susie A. Lopez-Guerra
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
COMMENTS
6. Staff member comments
Minutes:
• Michael Garcia –Announced that the next meeting agenda will include an election for the Chair position due to a current vacancy. The Commission will continue its regular annual election schedule in July. Staff also thanked members of the public for their comments and participation.
• Tram Le – Clarified the process for the upcoming Chair election, noting it will fill the remainder of the current term following a resignation, with a full annual election to be held in July. Any eligible Commissioner may serve in the interim position. She also provided an update on the A rtist Grant program, reporting that two mandatory information sessions were held on March 12 and March 17 with approximately 90 attendees. The application deadline is Monday, March 23 at 11:59 pm.
7. Commission member comments
Minutes:
• Commissioner Bermejo – Thanked members of the public for their participation and comments, noting that all input is valued and considered. The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the service of a former Chair Vu and wished them success in their future business endeavors. The Commis sioner also acknowledged a newly opened small business in downtown Santa Ana and encouraged continued support for local businesses.
• Commissioner Russell – The Ad Hoc Subcommittee will share updates on its work to evaluate the continuation and evolution of the Arts and Culture Master Plan. The committee is beginning conversations with arts leaders and intends to expand outreach to residents and artists. Discussions will foc us on the continued relevance of the original Master Plan goals in supporting a vibrant arts community in Santa Ana.
A progress update is expected at the next commission meeting.
Reflected on the
significance of the public art policy development process, noting that the current meeting represented an important milestone and potentially the final Commission review before consideration by City Council. The Commissioner highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort over time, expressed appreciation for those who Arts and Culture Commission 5 3/19/2026
have contributed to the process, and described the policy as a historic achievement for the City.
• Vice-Chair Hernandez – expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Commission and highlighted the importance of the public art policy as a living document to guide staff, support artists, and preserve cultural heritage. The Vice Chair acknowledged the service of current and former Commissioners and expressed interest in joining the Ad Hoc Subcommittee focused on the Master Plan, offering to contribute to stakeholder outreach discussions. Recognition was also given to Commissioner Marin and an upcoming organizational anniversary. He raised concerns regarding transp arency and alignment in event contracting and vendor selection processes and emphasized the importance of ensuring that public programming reflects community values. The Vice Chair also expressed interest in exploring the establishment of a Cultural Arts District and suggested engaging external arts organizations for best practices. Additional comments emphasized the importance of community engagement and leadership in decisions involving public art, including naming, renaming, and removal processes
. thanked Commissioners
Russell, Pena -Marin, Lopez -Guerra, and Bermejo for their participation and emphasized the importance of maintaining a full Commission quorum. The Vice Chair noted that vacancies impact the Commission’s ability to approve items such as event sponsorships and encouraged community members in Wards 4 and 5 to consider serving.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission is scheduled for April 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted:
Bianca L. Zurita
Bianca L. Zurita
Executive Secretary/Recording Secretary