Arts and Culture Commissioner 1 6/18/2026
Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2026
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Hernandez
Commission members present:
Victorino Bermejo
Joese Hernandez
Marlene Peña-Marin
Debra Russell
Commission member absent:
Susie Lopez-Guerra
Staff members present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Marc Morley, Economic Development Manager
Tram Le, Arts and Culture Specialist
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excused absences.
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commission member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of May 21, 2026.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
3. Authorize the Recording Secretary to execute and finalize the meeting minutes of June 18, 2026.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Commissioner Peña-Marin, seconded by Commissioner Russell to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 4 – Debra Russell, Joese Hernandez, Marlene Peña-Marin, Victorino Bermejo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Susie A. Lopez-Guerra
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
Arts and Culture Commissioner 2 6/18/2026
WORK STUDY SESSION
4. Arts and Culture Special Events Sponsorship Applications for June 2026
Minutes: Staff reported that $175,000 was allocated this fiscal year to support arts and cultural events hosted by local artists and nonprofit organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, with awards of up to $10,000 per event. For the June 2026 funding cycle, $25,000 remained available. Staff received 23 applications, and commissioners recommended funding 13 for a total of $25,000. Staff recommended that the Commission ratify the June 2026 sponsorship application list and offered to answer questions regarding the application ratings.
The Commission engaged in a discussion.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
COMMENTS
5. Staff member comments
Minutes:
• Michael Garcia – thanked the Commissioners for their service and dedication to the Arts and Culture Commission. Recognized the Commission's active involvement in supporting arts and cultural initiatives, engaging with the community, collecting public feedback, and serving as ambassadors for the City. Expressed appreciation for the Commissioners' collaboration, guidance, and continued support, and presented commemorative gifts in recognition of their service .
• Tram Le – expressed sincere appreciation to the Commissioners for their years of dedication and volunteer service, recognizing their commitment through virtual and in-person meetings, community outreach, surveys, and engagement efforts. Noted that the Commission's contributions have strengthened the City's arts and culture programs and helped identify community needs and policy improvements. Thanked the Commissioners for their continued support, collaboration, and willingness to serve, and encouraged them to remain engaged by sharing feedback and guidance on the evolving needs of the community.
6. Commission member comments
Minutes:
• Commissioner Peña-Marin – expressed appreciation to City staff and fellow Commissioners for their support, guidance, and efforts in preserving and advancing arts and culture in Santa Ana.
The Commissioner shared gratitude for the opportunity
to serve and noted the valuable knowledge gained throughout their tenure. The Commissioner also recognized Relampago del Cielo’s 50 years of service and the importance of the support received from the City, Commissioners, and community partners in sustaining the organization’s work. The Commissioner encouraged continued collaboration between the community and the City, emphasizing that meaningful contributions to the arts are possible through dedication , partnership, and
collective effort.
Arts and Culture Commissioner 3 6/18/2026
• Vice-Chair Russell – The Commissioner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and advocate for artists and the value of arts and culture in Santa Ana. The Commissioner highlighted the Commission’s accomplishments, including community engagement efforts, the adoption of the Public Arts Policy, implementation of the Arts and Culture Master Plan, and support for mural restoration funding. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and advocacy to advance arts and culture in the community .
• Commissioner Bermejo – The Commissioner expressed appreciation to staff for their guidance, patience, and support throughout the Commission’s work. The Commissioner shared that the arts have been an important part of their life and expressed pride in representing local artists, helping connect them with available grants and programs, and seeing artists successfully access funding opportunities.
The Commissioner emphasized the imp
ortance of education and resources for artists
and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local artists, small businesses, and the broader community
.
• Chair Hernandez – The Commissioner expressed appreciation for fellow Commissioners, staff, and community partners for their dedication to advancing arts and culture in Santa Ana. The Commissioner reflected on the personal impact of the arts and emphasized the importance of art as a tool for connection, self-expression, and community belonging. The Commissioner acknowledged the Commission’s accomplishments and affirmed that the work of supporting arts and culture will continue through ongoing advocacy, partnerships, grants, and community engagement.
ADJOURNMENT
No future meetings of the Arts and Culture Commission are scheduled.
Respectfully submitted:
Bianca L. Zurita
Bianca L. Zurita
Executive Secretary/Recording Secretary