1 David Yakobson
From: Judith Meister <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 3:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report - Item 11A
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I urge you to approve the Staff recommendation to accept all the recommendations of the Meztli Project report and authorize staff to begin implementation.
I had earlier urged the Council to not cover the City Hall lobby mural, and rather, begin an inclusive community process to address the issues raised about the content of the mural and find a solution that would retain the mural, explain its history, and identify ways to engage voices of First Peoples in the community.
The outcome of that process is Phase I, the Meztli report. This process took place over a year and is one of the more successful public processes that I have observed and participated in during my time as an employee and resident of Santa Monica. The consultant team took the time to engage the community in a thoughtful and reiterative process that built consensus slowly and has resulted in the first step of a larger process of healing and sharing.
I support all of the recommendations of the report and believe that authorizing staff to begin the process of commissioning a new artwork should happen immediately, as well as the work on developing interpretive panels for the mural. The commitment to follow through on all the recommendations is crucial to creating trust and allowing the community to move ahead to consider other issues raised during this process. The report provides a framework for what will be hard work. Please accept this challenge and provide the leadership needed to look back on our history, and welcome all voices to build a more inclusive present and future.
Thank you,
Judith Meister
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: sonja hernandez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 12:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Sonja Hernandez, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Sonja Hernandez
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Mike Bravo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 12:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Yes on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project "
EXTERNAL
My name is Miguel Bravo, from Venice, CA.. and I am supporƟng a yes vote on agenda item #11 — Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report RecommendaƟons.
As a 5th generation Chicano of Purhepecha heritage, I am reaching out to express the significance of this issue to me on a personal level. As someone of Indigenous heritage, I have repeatedly encountered the gross misrepresentations of our culture across various institutional spaces such as art, government, education and media. These easily addressable issues have contributed to the psychological harm as well as high rates of suicide among Indigenous youth.
I am in full agreement with the recommendations outlined in the report. It places focus on healing and reparative actions essential for bridging the current state of Santa Monica with its values, which starkly contrast with the outdated ideals depicted in the mural—a portrayal rooted in white supremacist perspectives. It is imperative that as a community, we strive to rectify the injustices inflicted upon First Peoples. The recent release of the "We Are Still Here" report by the county underscores the urgent need for acknowledgment and action regarding past, present, and ongoing harms against local tribes.
I urge the city council to vote YES and join the ranks of other cities and institutions nationwide in taking meaningful steps towards creating a more inclusive society that genuinely supports and uplifts Amerindian First Peoples.
Thank you.
Miguel Bravo
Venice, CA
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Zora Zajicek <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 12:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Culture
Subject: Reframe: City Hall Mural Project
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Zora, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Zora
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: paulina sahagun <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Mural Reframe Project
EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica City Council,
The Reframe : City Hall Mural report has provided many opinions on the mural by Stanton W. Mcdonald.
I understand that this is only the first phase of the project, as of now the mural will not be taken down. However as this process continues it’s removal will still be considered.
For the second phase I expect this process to move quickly to stop the perpetual emotional assault and the historical inaccuracies directed toward our Native People of the Los Angeles Basin and other Mesoamerican Indigenous descendants.
This is an opportunity for the city to lead the way toward the implementation of a DEI training for the city staff, that truly supports and promotes the termination of structural racism.
Paulina Sahagun
Removed from Santa Monica by 10 Freeway
Theater Artist Educator
Santa Monica Community Volunteer
Films on Santa Monica:
“90404 Changing”
“We Were All Here”
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: liana rios <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Recommendation 8: Facilitate Land Back in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Liana, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #8: Facilitate Land Back in Santa Monica.
This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Liana
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Alexandria Ybarra <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Public comment concerning city hall mural
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Alexandria, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Alexandria
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: angel villasenor <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment Item 11
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
First and foremost I'd like to thank the REFRAME team for their work. They were methodical, intentional and culturally grounded which is refreshing.
Although I still strongly believe that the mural needs to be removed for all the points raised in the comprehensive 106 pg report, I do support the recommendations outlined. We definitely need an educational component around colonialism and the embodied advantages and disadvantages it produces for all nonwhite groups in America, especially the Native American community.
We need to fund and create 'anti-colonial projects of resistance' (art, and media- based interventions advocating and celebrating the collective identities and insurgent histories of particular peoples of color appeared all in the effort to express and invent emancipatory concepts of racial/national identity) which are expressed to help raise and expand consciousness by highlighting the counter stories of resilience and selfdetermination by nonwhite groups in America.
The current murals highlight what sociologist Michael Omi and Howard Winant would call White Racial Nationalism, which according to them, means the following:
"white racial nationalism both built and fractured the United States. It unified whites across tremendous chasms of class and culture/ethnicity, precisely because it allowed them to claim their whiteness, sometimes with ease and sometimes only after passing through extended “probationary” periods. The racial cleavages we see in the nation are the products of the exploitative and exclusionist commitments of the white nation: its deracination (uprooting) of the indigenous inhabitants of North America; its capture, killing, transport in chains, and enslavement of millions of Africans; its conquest of adjacent territories and its relegation of their inhabitants to lesser status; and its massive dependence on immigration, mostly on the part of people not considered (or not yet considered) white. Thence cometh the divided and hierarchical peoplehood, the stratified and conflictual nation, the United States of America." (1986) The recommendations will allow us to truly begin the work of disrupting and educating our community around the legacy of colonialism and their continued effects in our City and institutions.
In community,
Angel Villasenor
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Cheyenne Green <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Written Comment
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Cheyenne, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Cheyenne
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Batisse Le Tenoux <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Written Comment 02/2024
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Batisse Le Tenoux, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Batisse Le Tenoux
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Jay Lamars <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Public Comment
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Jay Lamars, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Jay Lamars
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Isaac michael Ybarra <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Agenda item #11
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Isaac Michael Ybarra, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Danielle Mayen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 10:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #11
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is (NAME), and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Danielle Mayen
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 8:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: council meeting Feb 13, 2024 item 11A murals From: jim gerstley <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 3:48 AM
To: Phil Brock <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Gleam Davis <[email protected]>; Christine Parra <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>; Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]>; Council Mailbox <[email protected]> Subject: council meeting Feb 13, 2024 item 11A murals
EXTERNAL
I disagree with the Metzli findings.
The message to me is the murals reflect badly on the conquerors, not the indigenous people, because of how badly the conquerors treated the latter. A total lack of tolerance; forcing their religion on the conquered, turning them into slaves, stealing their land, and a lack of understanding and appreciation of the native American culture that existed prior to the arrival of the conquerors.
Lets not change history to beautify it. Let's use the history to learn its lessons. It could even lead to discussions on the morality of what was done to the indigenous people; possible alternative interactions; what else should be done now to enable the native culture and to teach tolerance of cultures we don't understand.
And it isn't limited to Santa Monica or even California. Throughout the US, native American treaties have been broken by white men and the indigenous people forced off their land to less desirable areas.
Today we enjoy the land we stole from the indigenous people, while subjugating them and leaving them with very little. It's a sad commentary on our history and on our values, but still it is the history of the interaction of the whites and the natives throughout the US. Let's learn from it.
Thank you
Jim Gerstley
Santa Monica CA
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Gil Leib <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Gil Leib
601
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Miriam Faugno <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Miriam Faugno
Playa del Rey, CA
90293
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Thomasine Rogas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 5:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support all nine recommendations of the Meztli Projects Report regarding the City Hall Mural. I am hoping that you will do the same at your February 13 meeting.
Thank you for your service to our city.
Thomasine Rogas
Cell: (310) 913-3671
[email protected]
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Lucy Padilla <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 5:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Council:
Support the report because it’s art and it shares
our history. It also is a great source if not
immediate reminder to not repeat our mistakes!
Best regards,
Lucy Padilla
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 4:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
We have read the Meztli report and support all 9 recommendations. We encourage each of you to give it a YES vote.
Thank you. Bill and Carolyne Edwards
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Charlotte Wolter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 3:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I believe this well-researched and -reviewed report and the actions that it recommends are the nest solution for the murals at City Hall.
Charlotte Wolter
927 18th Street, Apt. A
Santa Monica, California
90403
Home: 310-597-4040
Mobile: 310-663-3699
[email protected]
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Frankie Fleming <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 3:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Culture
Subject: Submitting public comment: Acknowledge + Reframe Together (Reframe) Initiative Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Frankie Fleming, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as a guest residing in Tovaangar, I have witnessed the heavy impacts as a result of the gross misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples across the many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous Peoples have led to the highest rates of suicide among young Indigenous people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values that are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, that center a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because cities must do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous Peoples.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Frankie Fleming
--
Frankie Fleming | Manager of Education and Community Engagement [email protected] | c. 213 631 8844 / o. 323 341 4195
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
OXY ARTS | Occidental College
4757 York Blvd | Los Angeles, California 90042
oxy.edu/oxy-arts | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter OXY ARTS occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Tongva people [what is land acknowledgment?] Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Debra Scacco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 3:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: In favor of mural recommendations
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Debra Scacco, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as a guest residing in Tovaangar, I have witnessed the heavy impacts as a result of the gross misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples across the many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous Peoples have led to the highest rates of suicide among young Indigenous people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values that are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, that center a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because cities must do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous Peoples.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Debra Scacco
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Debra Scacco
+1 310 699-5724
DebraScacco.com
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: Xavier Mota
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 2:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: SM Arts Commission letter of support for Meztli Projects' recommendations re Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report
Attachments: SMAC letter to City Council re Metzli Projects recommendations.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
From: Naomi Okuyama <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2024 2:43 PM
To: Xavier Mota <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: SM Arts Commission letter of support for Meztli Projects' recommendations re Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report
Looks like it went to Council Mailbox…
Naomi
From: Mary-Elizabeth Michaels <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 1:40 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Cc: Sofia Klatzker <[email protected]>; Laurie Yehia <[email protected]>; David White <[email protected]>; Susan Cline <[email protected]>; Jenny Rogers <[email protected]>; Lisa Parson <[email protected]>; Naomi Okuyama <[email protected]>
Subject: SM Arts Commission letter of support for Meztli Projects' recommendations re Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, Councilmember Davis, Councilmember de la Torre, Councilmember Parra, Councilmember Torosis and Councilmember Zwick, Please find below and attached a letter sent on behalf of the Santa Monica Arts Commission regarding that body's full support of the recommendations drafted by Meztli Projects as part of Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Best,
Mary-Elizabeth
Mary-Elizabeth Michaels
Chair, Art Commissioner, City of Santa Monica
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
11 ___________________
December 26, 2023
The Honorable Phil Brock and
Members of the Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
On behalf of Santa Monica's Arts Commission, this letter is to advise the City Council regarding the recommendations drafted by Meztli Projects as part of Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report.
The Arts Commission recognizes that art is a powerful means of communication that can be perceived from a multitude of individual and societal perspectives and fully appreciate that when people come to City Hall to conduct business that they should feel that they will be treated respectfully, fairly and equitability regardless of their socio-economic status or ethnic heritage. Thus, we strongly support and affirm the importance of the process the City undertook to engage with community regarding the continued display of the Stanton Macdonald-Wright murals in Santa Monica City Hall.
We think that Metzli Projects conducted a successful community engagement process to assess the range of people’s perceptions of and attitudes about the City Hall Mural. To that end, the Commission voted unanimously, at the December 12, 2023 meeting, to support the adoption of the recommendations drafted by Meztli Projects as part of Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report.
While the Commission supports all of the recommendations, we fully endorse and advocate for the implementation of Recommendations 1 to 4 as they directly address the Arts Commission’s area of responsibility: in this case, expanding the City’s diversity of public artwork and educational resources to contextualize interpretations of the Mural’s imagery and history. Recommendations 1 to 4 also fall within the purview of and further engagement would be overseen by Cultural Affairs. We also support the remaining recommendations, which would be led by Equity and Inclusion.
The Arts Commission fully endorses the recommendations in Meztli Projects Phase I Report for Reframe: City Hall Mural and re-commits to participating in the process to ensure that the priorities of the arts community are kept in mind as the plan moves forward to implementation.
Thank you for your consideration.
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12 Sincerely,
Mary-Elizabeth Michaels Laurie Yehia
Chair, Santa Monica Arts Commission Vice Chair, Santa Monica Arts Commission Item 11.A.
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December 26, 2023
The Honorable Phil Brock and
Members of the Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
On behalf of Santa Monica's Arts Commission, this letter is to advise the City Council regarding the recommendations drafted by Meztli Projects as part of Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report.
The Arts Commission recognizes that art is a powerful means of communication that can be perceived from a multitude of individual and societal perspectives and fully appreciate that when people come to City Hall to conduct business that they should feel that they will be treated respectfully, fairly and equitability regardless of their socio-economic status or ethnic heritage. Thus, we strongly support and affirm the importance of the process the City undertook to engage with community regarding the continued display of the Stanton Macdonald-Wright murals in Santa Monica City Hall.
We think that Metzli Projects conducted a successful community engagement process to assess the range of people’s perceptions of and attitudes about the City Hall Mural. To that end, the Commission voted unanimously, at the December 12, 2023 meeting, to support the adoption of the recommendations drafted by Meztli Projects as part of Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase I Report.
While the Commission supports all of the recommendations, we fully endorse and advocate for the implementation of Recommendations 1 to 4 as they directly address the Arts Commission’s area of responsibility: in this case, expanding the City’s diversity of public artwork and educational resources to contextualize interpretations of the Mural’s imagery and history. Recommendations 1 to 4 also fall within the purview of and further engagement would be overseen by Cultural Affairs. We also support the remaining recommendations, which would be led by Equity and Inclusion.
The Arts Commission fully endorses the recommendations in Meztli Projects Phase I Report for Reframe:
City Hall Mural and re-commits to participating in the process to ensure that the priorities of the arts community are kept in mind as the plan moves forward to implementation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary Elizabeth Michaels Laurie Yehia
Mary-Elizabeth Michaels Laurie Yehia
Chair, Santa Monica Arts Commission Vice Chair, Santa Monica Arts Commission cc: David White, City Manager
Susan Cline, Assistant City Manager
Jenny Rogers, Director, RAD
Lisa Parson, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Santa Monica Arts Commission
Mary-Elizabeth Michaels, Chair
Laurie Yehia, Vice Chair
Michael Baroff
Kathleen Benjamin
Michelle Edgar
Federico Galavis
Staci Griesbach
Michael James Masucci
Deepa Subramanian
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13 David Yakobson
From: Katie Janss <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 2:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Support for “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.”
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Katie Janss, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” As a guest residing in Tovaangar and as a volunteer at The Chapter House, an Indigenous arts and community space based on this land, I have witnessed first-hand the heavy impacts as a result of the gross misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples across the many facets of society; for example, sports mascots, art, school curriculums, film, and TV. These false representations of Indigenous Peoples have led to the highest rates of suicide among Indigenous youth, as well as high rates of poverty, unemployment, and poor academic performance. These representations perpetuate inaccurate and damaging stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples to non-Indigenous Peoples.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to heal the Santa Monica of today. The city’s values are vastly different from the ideals reflected in the mural, which center a white supremacist view of the city and society. Cities must do better in repairing the harms done to Indigenous Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous Peoples. Santa Monica has a unique opportunity to set an example that many more cities across the nation can follow.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join the cities across the Nation that have already taken first steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures Indigenous Peoples.
Sincerely,
Katie Janss
--
Katie Janss | Director of Operations
The Chapter House
m: +626.348.6402
The Chapter House recognizes all land that is claimed by the United States is Indigenous land. The land I occupy is home to the Tongva people, the original stewards of this territory in the so-called Los Angeles Basin, who exist here today. To learn more about whose land you occupy, please visit https://native-land.ca/.
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14 David Yakobson
From: Khayra Mentado <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 1:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Number 11
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Khayra Shakibah Mentado, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.” This issue is important to me because, as an Indigenous person, I have experienced the gross misrepresentation of us in many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous people have led to the highest rates of suicide for young people.
I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values which are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, which centers a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because as a city we need to do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous people.
I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.
With Gratitude,
Khayra Mentado
--
Khayra Shakibah Mentado (They/She)
Sent from the unceded Gabrieleno Tongva lands
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15 David Yakobson
From: Diane Citron <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 1:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I support the Meztli recommendaƟons regarding the beauƟful painƟngs depicƟng historical events in our city's history.
Thank you
Diane Citron
Mid-city
Sent from my iPhone
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16 David Yakobson
From: Mary Patricia Dougherty <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 1:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Ms. Mary Patricia Dougherty
Sent from my iPhone
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17 David Yakobson
From: Caroline Kanner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 1:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Culture
Subject: Aprove Item 11
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,My name is Caroline Kanner, and I am submitting a public comment supporting a yes vote on agenda item #11, “Approval of the Reframe: City Hall Mural Project Phase I Report Recommendations.”This issue is important to me because, as a guest residing in Tovaangar, I have witnessed the heavy impacts as a result of the gross misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples across the many facets of society, for example, art, school curriculums, film, and TV, among other areas of life. These false representations of Indigenous Peoples have led to the highest rates of suicide among young Indigenous people.I fully support the recommendations in the report as they focus on the healing and reparative efforts needed to bridge the Santa Monica of today, the city’s values that are vastly different than the ideals reflected in the mural, that center a white supremacist view of the city and society, and because cities must do much better in repairing the harms done to First Peoples. Most recently, the county released the “We Are Still Here,” A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes detailing the long list of injustices our cities and county have inflicted on Indigenous Peoples.I encourage the city council to vote yes and join other cities across the Nation in taking steps to build a more inclusive society that equitably supports and nurtures First Peoples.Thank you,Sincerely,Caroline Item 11.A.
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18 David Yakobson
From: Susan McCarthy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 1:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Meztli Recommendations 11A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Council Members: Please direct staff to implement all of the recommendations recommended in Meztli's final report. They stem from a thoughtful, inclusive process and they reflect a nuanced approach to the issues Meztli was engaged to explore and address.
Thank you for your service to our community.
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19 David Yakobson
From: Chris Van Hook <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 12:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
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20 David Yakobson
From: Mario Fonda-Bonardi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 12:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Reframe: City Hall Mural (agenda item #11A)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
I’m writing to you in support of the upcoming Reframe: City Hall Mural (agenda item #11A).
This item has been widely studied by the Working Group and the Meztli Project's report has created 9 recommendations, While all are a valid, I would like to highlight three for your specific consideration and or earliest implementation:
1. Commission New Artwork for the City Hall Lobby and Courtyard: this would reintroduce the lost historical voices of our original inhabitants.
2. Commission new interpretive panels: this would promote education and context about the murals.
9. Facilitate Kuruvungna Springs relationships: this would link us both back to the historical oral roots of our name and forward to the problem that all peoples have faced and will face in the West: the availability of water.
Your support for this agenda item is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA
[email protected]
310-699-0374
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21 David Yakobson
From: Jo Baxter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 11:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Sent from my iPad
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22 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 11:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Meztle
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I am in agreement with the item on February 13th agenda 11a Sent from AOL on Android
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23 David Yakobson
From: Catherine Azimi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Please Support the Meztli Report and Recommendations Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. Please vote to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
It is clear that these murals cause harm to members of the Indigenous community and others. The Meztli Recommendations stand to address this harm in a significant and structural way that goes far beyond performative statements of support and land acknowledgement. I believe in earned hope, meaning that we possess the collective ability to overcome structural racism, violent conflict and climate change IF we are collectively willing to address those who have and are being harmed in our society. This is the right thing to do and a path to healing which we urgently need.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue. Therefore it is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Catherine Azimi
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24 David Yakobson
From: Kristina von Hoffmann <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2024 8:46 PM
To: [email protected]; councilmtgitems
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristina von Hoffmann
Resident of 28th St, Santa Monica
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25 David Yakobson
From: Gil Leib <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2024 12:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Gil Leib
601 California Ave. Apt. 104
Santa Monica, CA 90403
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26 David Yakobson
From: Susan Leary <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2024 11:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Thanks
Susan Leary’s
Sent from my iPad
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27 David Yakobson
From: Bruria Finkel <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 4:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The murals at City Hall
Attachments: Bruria Finkel ltr Meztli Report.docx
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
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Bruria Finkel 1225 Hill Street Santa Monica Ca 90405
Phone: 310-251-4299
Website: bruriaFinkel.com
Feb. 13, 2024, Item 11A
For Mayor Phil Brock and City Council Members
My name is Bruria Finkel I have lived in Santa Monic more then 65 years.
I have been deeply involved volunteering my time to the city by being one of the founders of the “Arts Commission” in 1982 served for 15 years. Elected to Rent “Control Bord “ in 1993 for 7 years and sitting on the “Downtown Bord“ (DTSM) for 8 years until 2022.
My four children attended the school system, and my husband David Finkel has a long and fuller CV than mine of his time volunteering for the City of Santa Monica.
I am happy to send you my comments on the City Hall Murals.
This has been a process over a span of time that some will find helpful, and some will find it a waste of time and waste of money.
I Believe I attended every public session that was held on this subject and learned some new information but none of it convinced me to change my mind.
Artworks should never be removed because of someone’s feelings imposed on by the artwork. Since art can look at life as it is through the artists renderings.
Art works gain significance in time, Historic art works are always up for new or other interpretations, it seems to me that none of the interpretations I heard during the meetings really addressed the fact that the mural was conceived to address the first meeting of our indigenous people with the Spaniards in California.
misinterpretation of time can create a problem.
Here we can enlarge the story of the first people and talk about history after the first meeting with the Spaniards and the American Pilgrims that was brutal and irresponsive and disrespectful to the belief systems the original people had.
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History tells us that what seems insignificant at its time is important to understand and allow an opportunity to gain information and education on what these murals are telling us.
The City Hall murals were created in 1937 at a time of great change in our country and the idea of Art inclusion into communities was a way to both teach and address the history of our country and envision the future. The WPA was that moment in time when the Federal government assigned and paid artists to create these murals and other works were created like the Saint Monica statue in our Palisades Park and many works of art which our schools had displayed in the classrooms.
On the right on your page
When you look at this Mural there are 5 persons who represent a symbol of that time (l-r) Standing priest and a Spaniard solder in front of them the Indigenous people who are showing them the water source is good to the touch and one drinks the water.
In the distant on the person on the horse is the future: the coming of Rancheros owners, of the land, will occupy the area and their children and grandchildren of both groups are still here with us today.
The scenery is done with great care and good knowledge of the place, the spring flowing down the cliffs.
On your left on your page
The artist depicts the symbols of his time Horsemen and 2 tennis players to signify the activities of the time when he lived and worked in Santa Monica.
To this day sports are the activities people engage in here.
The future: the artist symbolizes with the child who plays with a wooden plane and the dog. At the very top of the mural a plane in flight and the boats in the bay (I saw the boats in the bay in 1959 when I came to Santa Monica , unfortunately were destroyed by the 100-year storm in the 1980’s, we should try to bring it back).
Not only sailing and sports activities were always symbolized Santa Monica it is the main activities at the beach and our parks today.
I encourage you not to disturb the serenity of this wonderful entrance to City Hall and try to interfere with what is present for almost 100 years. There are many opportunities around city hall, in the space between the Government buildings to Item 11.A.
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excite the imagination for a good artwork that will tell the story of our time with an eye to the future.
Bruria Finkel
Santa Monica
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28 David Yakobson
From: Kaitlin Drisko <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Tom Cleys
Subject: 2/13/2024 Item 11A - SM Conservancy Letter of Support for City Hall murals - Meztli Recommendations
Attachments: 2024-02-13 Ltr City Hall Murals-Meztli Report SM Conservancy.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Attached please find our letter of support for the Meztli Report recommendations for the City Hall murals.
Kaitlin Drisko
Executive Director
Santa Monica Conservancy
[email protected]
mobile: 310.948.5311
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P.O. BOX 653
SANTA MONICA, CA 90406
310-496-3146
www.smconservancy.org
February 13, 2024
Item 11A
Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
The Santa Monica Conservancy has been engaged in discussions and education regarding the City Hall murals for many years. We were invited to join the Acknowledge + Reframe initiative led by Meztli Projects as members of the Working Circle. Two of our Board members were part of the Working Circle: Ruthann Lehrer, who served three terms on the Landmarks Commission; and Sharon Reyes, seventh generation descendant of Ysidro Reyes, co-owner of Rancho Boca de Santa Monica, whose name is inscribed on the text panel adjacent to the History mural.
The Conservancy supports the nine recommendations in the Meztli Report and would like to share with you some thoughts on moving forward. We’re commenting on those recommendations that interface with the Conservancy’s mission and role in Santa Monica.
Recommendation 1: Create New Murals in City Hall Lobby.
The historic murals can serve as a touchstone for a contemporary response centered on cultural and social groups who were not represented in the 1939 depictions. The City Hall lobby is not only a location reflecting civic authority but is also an artistic environment that conveys the best of the New Deal Federal art programs. In addition to the large scale petrachrome murals, this environment consists of colorful geometric tile by the renowned firm of Gladding McBean; decorative terrazzo floors; geometric metal railings and overall coloristic harmonies, all unified as a vision of New Deal Modernism. We hope that the new murals will respect this historic art environment and maintain visual harmony. It may be appropriate to include the Landmarks Commission in an advisory role to help navigate the integration and compatibility of the new murals into its historic environment. While the City Hall lobby as a whole is not officially designated as historic, artistic compatibility between new and old will signal a positive dialogue instead of conflict.
Recommendation 2: Commission New Interpretive Panels
Regarding the History mural panel, we strongly support the creation of new interpretive panels that reflects the perspective and voice of the Gabrielino/Tongva people, the Indigenous group that was impacted by the arrival of Spanish colonialists in this area, setting in motion centuries of displacement, oppression and even genocide. This traumatic story is regrettably part of our Santa Monica and California history. The Gabrielino/Tongva community should take the lead in deciding how their story is presented to the public.
But there is more to interpret that is important for public understanding:
§ Why are these murals there? What was the historic context and the artist’s intentions? § The image of the Kuruvungna Springs links the historic Portola Expedition to the recent reclamation of the site by Gabrielino/Tongva people, who have made it a focal point to revitalize and share their cultural heritage through the Kuruvungna Springs Foundation.
The springs image connotes a message about survival, rebirth and pride of the Gabrielino/Tongva.
§ The history of the Mexican ranchos and their displacement, loss of land and community.
While the Recreation panel depicts activities of the dominant white culture, the artist’s intentions are documented and should be presented as part of the interpretation. However, the Item 11.A.
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2 opportunity exists to respond to these portrayals by depicting recreation and leisure among people of color and the working class in new public artwork.
The Santa Monica Conservancy, having done considerable research into these topics, hopes to participate in the development of the new interpretive panels.
Recommendation 4: Create Additional Educational Materials About the Mural This recommendation was one of the reasons for City Council’s interest in launching the Acknowledge + Reframe initiative, as the themes inherent in the mural narrations are rich sources for educational exploration.
We see this recommendation as an adjunct to Recommendation 2 and would like to offer the services of the Santa Monica Conservancy in implementing this task. We are currently collaborating with the Santa Monica Unified School District on a number of projects, including curriculum relating to history and research, and project-based-learning. Education is a fundamental part of our mission and we believe we can contribute to this goal.
As an example, the Conservancy is embarking on site-specific projects that recognize the history, people and places important to African-Americans and the Mexican presence in our City, and their displacement due to freeway construction and redevelopment.
Conclusion:
The Metzli Report marks an important milestone in a long journey of public engagement with the historic public art in City Hall. It has been challenging and emotional for many. There was extensive public outreach and debate during this process. Considering the complexities and numerous stakeholders, the Meztli Projects Acknowledge + Reframe process and the final recommendations are notable achievements.
The Conservancy is enthusiastic and motivated by the opportunities emerging with the Meztli Report recommendations for Phase I, and we hope to play a constructive role in their future implementation during Phase II.
Thank you,
Tom Cleys, President
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29 David Yakobson
From: Margaret Bach <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 12:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item !!A -- Reframe City Hall Mural Phase 1 Report Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica City Council,
I have both watched and participated in the comprehensive reframe process with regard to the City Hall murals. The process has been exemplary -- a community process at its best -- and warrants the full support of the City Council.
Santa Monica has joined many other communities in grappling with complex cultural and historical issues that are raised in public art works, and I am gratified to see the broad consensus that has emerged from our process reflected in the Meztli Projects' report.
I urge you to adopt the recommendations contained in the report, which calls for retention of the historic WPA-era murals, with the addition of additional public art and interpretative programs and bring new levels of reconciliation between our present and our past.
Sincerely,
Margaret Bach
Former Landmarks Commissioner
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30 David Yakobson
From: Mary Jo Stirling <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 11:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Stirling
310-995-9708
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31 David Yakobson
From: Achee Stevenson <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 10:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe:
City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Achée Stevenson
E: [email protected]
T: 310-428-5574
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
32 David Yakobson
From: Robin Venturelli <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 7:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I urge you to accept the recommendation of the Mezti Report in full and to direct City Staff to begin implementation. It is important to me that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Thank you
Robin Venturelli
Santa Monica Conservancy Volunteer at the ACBH
RO B I N VEN TU R E L L I | MUSIC, TRAVEL, PHILANTHROPY, MERRIMENT To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Phone: (310) 383-2323
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r BlueHairedBlonde.com
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
33 David Yakobson
From: Mary Ann Hays <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 4:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Santa Monica Conservancy
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendaƟons presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendaƟons and to direct City Staff to begin implementaƟon.
These recommendaƟons are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughƞul, and acƟonable soluƟons to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportuniƟes to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collecƟve histories are all potenƟal themes for interpretaƟon, educaƟon, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendaƟons be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and RecommendaƟons.
Thank you for your consideraƟon.
Mary Ann Hays
534 21st Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
34 David Yakobson
From: Jo Baxter <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 4:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Sent from my iPad
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
35 David Yakobson
From: Kathy Knight <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report Re: City Hall Mural Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members:
I want to let you know that I support the Meztli Report, including all nine recommendaƟons.
I like it because it does not call for removal of the artworks. Instead it recommends development of interpreƟve informaƟon and educaƟonal programs around the murals.
I like the murals and think they are very important.
Thank you,
Kathy Knight
Sunset Park Resident
[email protected]
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
36 David Yakobson
From: Randall Klarin <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 11:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Hall Mural
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I support the Meztli recommendaƟons.
Randall Klarin
RW Klarin
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
37 David Yakobson
From: mmoody <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 8:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe:
City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sally Hibbard
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
38 David Yakobson
From: Edgar Sernas
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 7:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Call to Action! Tell City Council You Support Meztli Projects’ Reframe: City Hall Mural Recommendations
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Edgar Sernas
Staff Assistant III – Records & Election Svcs
(310) 458-8211 x5782
santamonica.gov
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
From: Santa Monica Conservancy <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:30 PM
To: Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Call to Action! Tell City Council You Support Meztli Projects’ Reframe: City Hall Mural Recommendations
EXTERNAL
Send Your Letter In Time for the 2/13 City Council Meeting Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
39 Call to Action!
View as Webpage
Tell City Council You Support Meztli Projects’
Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase 1
Report & Recommendations
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
40 Image: Page 1 of Meztli Projects' Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase 1 Report. Credit: Meztli Projects.
Read the full Report here.
On February 13, City Council will review and vote to accept the recommendations (see full list below) contained within Meztli Projects' Reframe: City Hall Mural Phase 1 Report, and to direct City Staff to start the implementation phase of the project. Santa Monica Cultural Affairs and Meztli Projects worked together to develop and execute Phase 1 of the project, which focused on intensive community engagement to “consider the meaning, impact and potential responses to the WPA-era mural History of Santa Monica and the Bay District in Santa Monica's City Hall,” according to the project statement.
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
41 We endorse Meztli’s report, including all nine recommendations, and urge you to do the same by voicing your support directly to council before next Tuesday’s meeting. Taken in full, the report does not call for removal of the artworks, rather it recommends development of interpretative information and educational programs around the murals themselves, and that the murals be used as a springboard for exploring urgent issues of repair, inclusive representation in public art and restorative justice. Read the Meztli Report here.
Send Message
Meztli’s Report reflects their year-long process as the city’s public engagement consultant, including intensive outreach and debate in which the Conservancy played an active role. Feedback from hundreds of people including, “local First Peoples, Marquez family descendants, students, young adults, local educators, conservationists, the Santa Monica Arts and Landmarks Commissions, city employees and others who work and live in Santa Monica,” helped shape the report (City Press Release, November 9, 2024).
Again, please take a moment to tell City Council they should accept the recommendations in full and direct City Staff to begin implementation.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Public comment can also be made in person before the item (11A) is called via the kiosk in the lobby of City Hall at 1685 Main Street in Santa Monica. Read the full agenda here.
Below are some suggested talking points, but it’s always better to use your own voice. Your letter should be addressed
to [email protected], and should reference the agenda item 11A. Please bcc [email protected] in your email.
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
42 Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether.
These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Send Message
List of Recommendations (See page 66 of the Report)
1. Commission New Artwork in City Hall Lobby
2. Commission New Interpretive Panels
3. Ensure that Santa Monica’s Public Art and Commemorative Landscape Center Equity and Belonging
4. Create Additional Educational Materials About the Mural Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
43 5. Expand DEI+ Trainings for City Staff
6. Adopt a Citywide Land/Territory Acknowledgment Initiative
7. Improve Representation on Santa Monica Committees
8. Facilitate Land Back in Santa Monica
9. Facilitate Kuruvungna Springs Relationships
The Conservancy anticipates our continuing participation in implementation of the next phase of this project, which will be managed by the Department Cultural Affairs for numbers 1-4, and by the Office of DEI for numbers 5-9.
Santa Monica Conservancy
www.smconservancy.org
[email protected]
310-496-3146
Stay connected!
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Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
44 David Yakobson
From: Cynni Murphy <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 6:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
As an archivist and former Image Archives Librarian with the Santa Monica Public Library. I support educational interpretive panels being installed to explain the historic murals in City Hall. I do not support the removal of the murals. They are a part of history themselves created with funds from the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in the 1930s and should be seen in the context of their time. They were painted by an important American artist, Stanton MacDonald-Wright whose murals chronicled American history, industry and arts. The murals he painted for the Santa Monica Public Library Main Library in 1935 (also WPA) were stored by the Smithsonian Institution for more than 40 years until they could be returned to the new Main Library for its opening in 2006 demonstrating their national relevance and the relevance of his work to the history of American Art. The City Hall murals are part of that same canon.
--
Cynthia C. Murphy
[email protected]
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
45 David Yakobson
From: Cheryl Downey <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Please move this report's recommendation forward!
Thank you, Cheryl Downey, Proud Citizen of Santa Monica Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
46 David Yakobson
From: clint burdette <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Reframe: City Hall Mural
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Clinton Burdette
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
47 David Yakobson
From: Cristi Walden <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 8:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
I wholeheartedly support the Meztli report recommendations.
Please vote to implement them.
Cristi Walden
Cristi Walden
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 1420 Anderson Ln - Physical Address
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Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 964 1643 - Office
(805) 868 8654 - Mobile
seacrestnursery.com
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
48 David Yakobson
From: suzanne Verge <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 6:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support the Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Verge
Sent by my rotary phone via carrier pigeon so please excuse any typos or grammar errors Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
49 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Support Meztli Report re agenda item 11A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Re agenda item 11A
Dear Councilmembers,
This is an exciting project and I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Flo Selfman
[email protected]
I live in West LA but lived in Santa Monica with my parents back in the '60s and '70s. My parents owned a small bbq restaurant at 424 Wilshire, across from Zucky's, from 1961-65. It was called Jordan's (my dad didn't change the name when he bought it) and it was written up numerous times in the SM Outlook and the Independent by David Sheehan ("The Lamplighter") and Nelson Hughes, who called it "the little U.N." because of its often international clienteled, including flight crews from the French airline who stayed at the Miramar. My dad would cook special food for them; they came in as a big group after closing time.
I bought a brick with my parents' names and the restaurant name and years; it's on the brick fence on Main St., down at the bottom. Santa Monica history is so important, especially with all the construction that tears down parts of our history.
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
50 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
51 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Lipson <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: I Support Meztli Report
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support the recommendations presented in Meztli Projects’ Report, developed during Phase 1 of Reframe: City Hall Mural. I urge you to accept all nine recommendations and to direct City Staff to begin implementation.
These recommendations are the product of significant community engagement and present a set of informed, thoughtful, and actionable solutions to a complex issue.
It is important that the murals not be covered but remain visible for public understanding and learning. As Meztli notes in their report, "removing the mural obscures the systems that made the mural possible." The images reflect the history of Santa Monica and are opportunities to address the lived experiences and histories of Indigenous people, and others who have been excluded from the imagery altogether. These collective histories are all potential themes for interpretation, education, and future public art.
It is important that the recommendations be accepted together, to retain the integrity of the full report and the public process that informed it.
Again, please support Meztli’s Report and Recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jenny Lipson
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
52 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 3:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Support for City Hall Mural Recommendations - 11a Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
From: MEYER_WALTER <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9:34 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]> Cc: Naomi Okuyama <[email protected]>; SILVER_EMILY <[email protected]>; Mary-Elizabeth Michaels <[email protected]>; Laurie Yehia <[email protected]> Subject: Support for City Hall Mural Recommendations
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I have read the Reframe: City Hall mural Phase I report and wanted to voice my support for the recommendations.
As the chair of the Art Department of Santa Monica College, the recommendations demonstrate a prioritization of marginalized voices that is so important in the equity work we are pursuing and the report is a great example for our faculty and students in handling difficult, sensitive and important conversations while also providing a way forward that balances the needs/desires of multiple and at times conflicting constituencies and values.
As the former chair of the Public Art Committee and Vice Chair of the Arts Commission for Santa Monica, I am proud of the City’s willingness to take on this project and invest in finding solutions forward. Particularly, Recommendation 3 which provides the arts commission guidelines to center equity and belonging.
As a longtime resident and parent whose three children went k-12 through our public school system, I am impressed with the recommendations to expand voices with new artwork, new didactic panels to provide more context and education for our citizens and facilitating Land Back initiatives.
I will not be able to attend the council meeting, but I am readily available to discuss the matter in greater detail via phone or zoom.
Thank you for your service to our City and I appreciate all the good things that you do for our community! All the BEst,
Walter
Walter J. Meyer
smc.edu/resources
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
53 Department Chair- Art
Center for Art History and the Digital Humanities
Support the SMC Art Department Here!
Office- ART 216
310.434.8266
Finance Director- Art Historians of Southern California My goal as chair of the art department is to serve students and close equity gaps while placing art & its history at the center of all things SMC.
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
54 David Yakobson
From: Robert Knight <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: City Hall Murals :: Letter of Support for Reframe Recommendations Attachments: City Hall Murals_Robert Knight_Letter of Support_20240207x.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Please enter the attached letter into the Public Record for the City Council February 13 meeting, for the item regarding the City Hall Murals.
Thank you, Bob Knight
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Robert Knight <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, Feb 7, 2024 at 12:54 PM
Subject: City Hall Murals :: Letter of Support for Reframe Recommendations To: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]> Please find attached my Letter of Support for the City Hall Murals Reframe Recommendations.
Thank you,
Bob Knight
1815 Washington Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-948-5309
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
55 David Yakobson
From: Clerk Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 4:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Support for City Hall Mural Recommendations Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
From: MEYER_WALTER <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9:34 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]> Cc: Naomi Okuyama <[email protected]>; SILVER_EMILY <[email protected]>; Mary-Elizabeth Michaels <[email protected]>; Laurie Yehia <[email protected]> Subject: Support for City Hall Mural Recommendations
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I have read the Reframe: City Hall mural Phase I report and wanted to voice my support for the recommendations.
As the chair of the Art Department of Santa Monica College, the recommendations demonstrate a prioritization of marginalized voices that is so important in the equity work we are pursuing and the report is a great example for our faculty and students in handling diƯicult, sensitive and important conversations while also providing a way forward that balances the needs/desires of multiple and at times conflicting constituencies and values.
As the former chair of the Public Art Committee and Vice Chair of the Arts Commission for Santa Monica, I am proud of the City’s willingness to take on this project and invest in finding solutions forward. Particularly, Recommendation 3 which provides the arts commission guidelines to center equity and belonging.
As a longtime resident and parent whose three children went k-12 through our public school system, I am impressed with the recommendations to expand voices with new artwork, new didactic panels to provide more context and education for our citizens and facilitating Land Back initiatives.
I will not be able to attend the council meeting, but I am readily available to discuss the matter in greater detail via phone or zoom.
Thank you for your service to our City and I appreciate all the good things that you do for our community! All the BEst,
Walter
Walter J. Meyer
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
56 smc.edu/resources
Department Chair- Art
Center for Art History and the Digital Humanities
Support the SMC Art Department Here!
Office- ART 216
310.434.8266
Finance Director- Art Historians of Southern California My goal as chair of the art department is to serve students and close equity gaps while placing art & its history at the center of all things SMC.
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024
Item 11.A.
February 13, 2024