City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
June 22,
2026
To: City Co
uncil
From: Offic
e of the City Manager
Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
Subjec
t: Appointment of Simi Valley Arts Commissioners
Staff Rec
ommendation
It i
s recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint , the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) for two-year terms.
Back
ground
The Ar
ts Commission is responsible for promoting greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; exploring alternate sources of arts and culture funding; planning arts programs and events; developing a master cultural plan; applying for grants; reviewing the annual financial and operational plans for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center; and reinforcing the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life for all members of the community. Membership on the Arts Commission is com prised of eight members: two City Council Members, five City Council-appointed public members, and one Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board of Director s. All public members serve staggered two- year terms of office. Arts Commission members may serve two consecutive terms and may serve additional terms provided 12 months have lapsed between appointments beyond two consecutive terms.
Discuss
ion
The t
erms of service for three City Council -appointed public members of the Arts Commission will conclude on June 30, 2026. The City initiated a recruitment to solicit applications to fill these vacancies on February 12, 2026 . The deadline for applications was March 13, 2026. Recruitment efforts included a press release, cable television public service announcements, social media, and postings on the City's website. A total of seven (7) applications were received, and six (6) candidates attended the orientation. On April 20, 2026, the City Council selected Mayor Pro Tem Litster to serve on the Interview Committee with a returning Arts Commissioner.
On May
7, 2026, Mayor Pro Tem Litster and Arts Commissioner Dantona interviewed four applicants and nominated t hree for appointment to two- year terms on the Arts Commission, commencing July 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028. Two applicants withdrew from consideration prior to the interviews. The nominees are as follows:
Agenda Item No.
3A(3)
Nominees:
Lauren H
ammersley
Francesca Truncale Adams
Burton Weinstein
The appl
ications of the nominees are attached.
Finan
cial Impact
There i
s no fiscal impact associated with this item.
City
Council Priority
This
item supports the Excellent City government and Thriving Community Pillars of Excellence.
Sugges
ted Motion
I mov
e that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint , the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission for two- year terms, commencing July 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.
Summary
The t
erms of service for t hree City Council- appointed public members of the Arts Commission will conclude on June 30, 2026. The City initiated a recruitment on February 12, 2026, to fill these vacancies. On May 7, 2026, Mayor Pro Tem Litster and Arts Commissioner Dantona interviewed the applicants and nominated three for appointment to two-year terms on the Arts Commission, commencing July 1, 2026 , and concluding June 30, 2028. It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the applicants nominated to the Arts Commission.
Pre
pared by: Sandee McGee, Assistant Community Services Manager Attac
hments
Attac
hment A - Applications
2 Submission # 4687589
IP Address 2600:1702:290:9b0:9993:3ce6:47ad:ad23
Submission Recorded On 03/13/2026 2:53 p.m.
Time to Take Survey 16 minutes, 20 seconds
Thank you for your interest in serving on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Simi Valley Arts Commission is an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to arts and culture in the city, with a goal to reinforce the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life in Simi Valley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations, and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decision and legislation.
The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:
Advocate for the role and value of arts and culture in civic life; Promote greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; Advocate for and explore alternate sources of arts and culture funding including, but not limited to, grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships; In partnership with other public agencies, non-profits, etc., plan programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events to support economic and community development and showcase the city as a tourist destination; Develop and implement a vision and master cultural plan for strengthening and growing arts and culture for the City of Simi Valley; Conduct fundraising events, programs, and apply for grants to seek funds and donations to support and enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for the residents through the expansion of the arts;
Approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's fiscal year operating and capital budgets, including operating plan, and submit to City Council for approval; Strengthen and support the capacity on non-profit and community arts and cultural organizations in the city.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for March 24, 2026, and March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Sandee McGee, Community Services Assistant Manager, at [email protected].
* 1. Full Name
Lauren Hammersley
* 2. Address
* 3. Mobile Phone
4. Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*
*
Self Employed
*
Interior Stylist
*
Building my own interior styling practice centered on art, storytelling, and creative spaces, and I am passionate about connecting artists, families, and community through accessib
*
Current or Past Board Member
*
I have a lifelong connection to the arts through performance, community programs, and arts leadership. I have performed at the High Street Arts Center, supported youth programming through ARTS Literature in Action, and served as Art Director for a local children’s theater production. I previously served as an Arts Commissioner and remain committed to strengthening arts access and engagement in our community. Creativity and the arts are central to my family and daily life. *
5. Email
6. Current or Most Recent Employer
7. Current or Most Recent Job Title
8. Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
9. How did you hear about this recruitment opportunity with the Simi Valley Arts Commission?
10. Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
3 Attachment A
The Simi Valley Arts Commission’s focus on supporting local artists, expanding arts programming, and fostering community engagement aligns closely with my experience in community theater, youth arts education, and creative leadership. Having previously served as an Arts Commissioner, I value the role the commission plays in strengthening cultural opportunities in our city. I’m motivated to continue supporting accessible, meaningful arts experiences for residents of all ages. *
My vision is to continue expanding accessible arts opportunities that connect residents with creativity and cultural expression. By supporting local artists, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations, and promoting public art, performances, and educational programs, the Arts Commission can help make the arts a valued part of everyday life in Simi Valley. A strong arts community fosters connection, creativity, and civic pride. *
Increasing community involvement can start with expanding arts festivals and events that bring residents and local artists together. Developing a public art plan, including murals, can activate shared spaces and reflect the community’s identity. I’m also interested in exploring a community makers space where artists can access studios, host workshops, and showcase their work, creating more opportunities for collaboration and engagement. *
While I have not directly planned art exhibitions or art walks, I have participated in many community arts programs and events. I have organized and designed several fundraising galas supporting childhood cancer research, helping shape the visual experience and atmosphere of those events. I also have experience sourcing and selling vintage art and household pieces.
*
I currently work part-time as an assistant to an interior designer while building my own interior styling business. I am active in my local Chamber of Commerce and participate in community networking events. I have also traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for childhood cancer research and policy. My volunteer work supporting pediatric cancer organizations led to a Volunteer of the Year nomination from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
16. Attach a resume
**SKIPPED**
*
Lauren Hammersley
11. What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an Arts Commissioner?
12. Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
13. What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture?
14. Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
15. Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume (optional).
17. First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
4 Submission # 4687617
IP Address 172.114.48.143
Submission Recorded On 03/13/2026 11:17 a.m.
Time to Take Survey 5 minutes, 3 seconds
Thank you for your interest in serving on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Simi Valley Arts Commission is an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to arts and culture in the city, with a goal to reinforce the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life in Simi Valley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations, and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decision and legislation.
The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:
Advocate for the role and value of arts and culture in civic life; Promote greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; Advocate for and explore alternate sources of arts and culture funding including, but not limited to, grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships; In partnership with other public agencies, non-profits, etc., plan programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events to support economic and community development and showcase the city as a tourist destination; Develop and implement a vision and master cultural plan for strengthening and growing arts and culture for the City of Simi Valley; Conduct fundraising events, programs, and apply for grants to seek funds and donations to support and enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for the residents through the expansion of the arts;
Approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's fiscal year operating and capital budgets, including operating plan, and submit to City Council for approval; Strengthen and support the capacity on non-profit and community arts and cultural organizations in the city.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for March 24, 2026, and March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Sandee McGee, Community Services Assistant Manager, at [email protected].
* 1. Full Name
Francesca Truncale Adams
* 2. Address
* 3. Mobile Phone
4. Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*
*
self employed
*
Visual Communications Consultant
*
organized field efforts for countywide campaigns
*
Neighbor/Friend
*
Growing up in Simi Valley, I participated in city arts programs, RSRPD theater and dance classes, and the PTA Reflections competition. I was the yearbook photographer at Sinaloa MS., studied art, design and AP photography at Santa Susana HS. These experiences led me to pursue a BFA in Visual Communications with a minor in Art History from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Currently, my freelance visual communications business provides graphic design, photography and consulting. *
5. Email
6. Current or Most Recent Employer
7. Current or Most Recent Job Title
8. Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
9. How did you hear about this recruitment opportunity with the Simi Valley Arts Commission?
10. Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
11. What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an 5 My Bachelors of Fine Arts education and visual communications background provide me with the experience needed to meet the Commission's goals and responsibilities.
I understand how arts programming can build community connection and shape how people consume and experience art. I'm excited about the prospect of bringing art into public spaces so residents can see the world from different and unique perspectives. *
Throughout my life, the arts shaped who I am — and I want that for every resident. By expanding public art, supporting local artists, and building partnerships with schools and community organizations, the arts can elevate the quality of life, drive civic pride, and strengthen our sense of shared identity as a city. *
Ideas include neighborhood public art installations, pop-up art events, community art walks, school partnership programs that bring student work into public spaces, open-call events welcoming emerging local artists, leveraging social media, and building relationships among community organizations. Lowering barriers to participation, both financial and logistical, is key to building lasting community engagement. *
I have participated in art exhibitions and volunteered at art and cultural events. I understand what it takes to plan and execute them. As Organizing Director for a non- profit organization, I managed event logistics, coordinated multi-stakeholder operations and volunteer participation. I am a hands-on producer and manager, and can translate those skills to develop and produce what may be needed by the Arts Commission. *
Event Volunteer: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, Simi Sunrise Rotary, Samaritan Center; CA Democratic Party Assembly District 42 Elected Delegate (2023 - 2027); Ventura County Young Democrats (President, 2023-2024); VCDP Young Democrat of the Year Award (2023); Kennedy Legacy Volunteer of the Year (2019); SAIC/AIGA Art Exhibit (2017), SAIC BFA Art Show (2017)
16. Attach a resume
**SKIPPED**
*
Francesca Truncale Adams
Arts Commissioner?
12. Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
13. What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture?
14. Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
15. Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume (optional).
17. First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
6 Submission # 4630023
IP Address 2603:8002:b540:d577:9100:167f:d72d:5d53
Submission Recorded On 02/12/2026 12:13 p.m.
Time to Take Survey 19 minutes, 26 seconds
Thank you for your interest in serving on the Simi Valley Arts Commission. The Simi Valley Arts Commission is an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to arts and culture in the city, with a goal to reinforce the arts as a vital, integral, and necessary component of life in Simi Valley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations, and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decision and legislation.
The responsibilities of the Members of the Arts Commission shall be to:
Advocate for the role and value of arts and culture in civic life; Promote greater public participation in, and access to, arts and culture; Advocate for and explore alternate sources of arts and culture funding including, but not limited to, grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships; In partnership with other public agencies, non-profits, etc., plan programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events to support economic and community development and showcase the city as a tourist destination; Develop and implement a vision and master cultural plan for strengthening and growing arts and culture for the City of Simi Valley; Conduct fundraising events, programs, and apply for grants to seek funds and donations to support and enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for the residents through the expansion of the arts;
Approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's fiscal year operating and capital budgets, including operating plan, and submit to City Council for approval; Strengthen and support the capacity on non-profit and community arts and cultural organizations in the city.
Please complete the application below, answering all questions as thoroughly as possible. All applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All applicants will be asked to attend one of the mandatory orientations for prospective Arts Commissioners prior to the selection interview. The orientations are scheduled for March 24, 2026, and March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. This orientation may be online.
The successful applicants’ terms of service will be from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the selection process, please contact Sandee McGee, Community Services Assistant Manager, at [email protected].
* 1. Full Name
Burton Weinstein
* 2. Address
* 3. Mobile Phone
4. Home Phone
**SKIPPED**
*
*
Lilikoi Agency (Agency has moved to Tampa Florida)
*
TV/Video Producer/Editor
*
It was a living.
*
Served Previously
*
I spent my career in the film industry and have always been a supporter of local theater. My previous 4 years on the Arts Commission gave me new insight into issues that must be dealt with in order to have a successful arts program. Also, I was an usher at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in high school. I think that was about the time Shakespeare wrote "Much Ado About Nothing."
*
5. Email
6. Current or Most Recent Employer
7. Current or Most Recent Job Title
8. Key Accomplishments at Current or Most Recent Job
9. How did you hear about this recruitment opportunity with the Simi Valley Arts Commission?
10. Please share your background and experience in the arts, arts education, arts administration, and community outreach/engagement. ?
11. What about the Simi Valley Arts Commission is compatible with your experience and why does this compatibility motivate you to serve as an 7 Being retired, I can devote my time to the commission and my perspective on show business in general is not entirely from an outside perspective. My family has long support youth arts in Simi. Through the various programs that have existed through its 30 year/plus history. *
I very much want to see arts and culture grow well beyond the walls of the cultural arts center. So many areas of our community can be venues...even pop-up ones...for expressions of the arts.
*
While I recognize the need for art walks to be a source of income for artists, I think it would nice if we had a totally amateur art walk...possibly a competition...open to all members of the community. It would be outdoors in a park and might be combined with food trucks or a picnic area. I believe that the less things cost, the more likely people are to participate for arts' sake.
*
None to speak of.
*
My resume is in the film industry. I have taken part in some of the youth productions in Simi (doing props, etc.) And I have video'd some of the productions at the Art Center and the Block Box.
16. Attach a resume
**SKIPPED**
*
Burton Weinstein
Arts Commissioner?
12. Please share your vision for strengthening and growing arts and culture in Simi Valley. How can this vision enrich the quality of life for all residents?
13. What are some ideas for increasing community involvement in arts and culture?
14. Please share your experience in planning programs such as art exhibitions, art walks, multicultural events, or other types of community arts events?
15. Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities, or memberships. Feel free to list any significant accomplishments, awards, or impact that has resulted in these areas. You may also attach a resume (optional).
17. First and Last Name (by typing my name below, I acknowledge that this application and information contained herein is a matter of public record upon submittal):
8