HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-25; City Council; 08; Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Arts CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: March 25, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Ana Alarcon, Deputy City Clerk
Ana.alarcon@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2809
Subject: Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Arts Commission
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt the following:
1.A resolution appointing one member to the Arts Commission
2.A resolution appointing one member to the Arts Commission
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint two members to the Arts Commission, which advises
the City Council on arts and culture related matters and implementation of the arts element of
the Carlsbad General Plan.
The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council. Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms, unless
appointed to fill an unexpired term.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Joni Miringoff was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2021, to fill the
expired term of Commissioner Tina Schmidt for a term ending in March 2025. There is currently
a scheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission for a term ending in March 2029. Commissioner
Miringoff is eligible for but not seeking reappointment.
Commissioner Barbara Chung was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2021, to fill the
expired term of Commissioner Scott White with a term ending in March 2025. There is currently
a scheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission for a term ending in March 2029. Commissioner
Chung is eligible for and seeking reappointment.
March 25, 2025 Item #8 Page 1 of 19
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The City Clerk’s Office received nine applications from residents wishing to serve on the Arts
Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the following
three applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council:
• Lara Benusis – District 1
• Barbara Chung – District 4 – seeking reappointment
• Diana Clark – District 1
Exhibit 3 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before
December 31 of each year the legislative body shall prepare a Local Appointments List, which
contains the appointive terms of Board and Commission members that will expire in the next
calendar year. The name of the incumbent appointee, the date of appointment and the term
expiration date is also included on the list. Based on the prepared list, the City Clerk’s Office
accepts applications (available on the city’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office) for any
upcoming vacancies.
The current members of the Arts Commission are:
Commission member District
Michelle Breyer 2
Frances Carrillo 4
Barbara Chung 4
Angela Ferone 3
Nora George 3
Joni Miringoff 4
Gita Nassiri 3
Members of the Arts Commission are subject to the provisions of California’s Political Reform
Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year and complete two hours of
ethics training and workplace harassment prevention training every two years.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of three members to the Arts Commission, the City Clerk’s Office
will update the commission roster and coordinate the oaths of office and the filing of the
appointees’ statements of economic interest and ethics training certificate and workplace
harassment prevention training.
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Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section
15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board,
commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will
not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects
undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require
preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Arts Commission
2. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Arts Commission
3. Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process
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Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-075
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE ARTS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Joni Miringoff was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2021
for a term ending in March 2025; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Miringoff is not seeking reappointment; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission exists with a term ending in March
2029.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city
representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or
administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical
changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be
considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an
environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
3.That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Arts Commission, for
a term ending in March 2029, or until a replacement is appointed.
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Diana Clark
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the day of 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
March 25, 2025 Item #8 Page 5 of 19
March 25th
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Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-074
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE ARTS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Barbara Chung was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2021
for a term ending in March 2025; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Chung is eligible for reappointment; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission exists with a term ending in March
2029.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city
representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or
administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical
changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be
considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an
environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
3.That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Arts Commission, for
a term ending in March 2029, or until a replacement is appointed.
March 25, 2025 Item #8 Page 6 of 19
Barbara Chung
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the day of March 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
March 25, 2025 Item #8 Page 7 of 19
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Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission X Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Lara Benusis
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City Carlsbad ZIP 92008
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Not Employed
Occupation Doctoral Student
Employer
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Exhibit 3
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Interest
Carlsbad in 2025 is ripe for exciting new audience for the arts. I live in District 1 where I am raising my
family and have enjoyed access to many of the community experiences spanning all of Carlsbad that have
emerged post pandemic. My history with Carlsbad extends back to when husband's family moved here in
2004. We have enjoyed seeing the area transform over the past two decades and knowing this portion of its
legacy informs my appreciation for all that has emerged since. In 2019 my husband and I purchased our
current home down the road from our family's and shortly thereafter made our move across the country
from our professional lives in New York City to Carlsbad. As someone with a background in the arts, I have
been hyper focused on seeking out these resources in Carlsbad and the surrounding area for both my
fulfillment but also for the enrichment of my growing family.
Please describe your educational background
Current doctoral student (Dissertation topic: Cardio Oncology and Cancer Survivorship) at Columbia
University. MEd in the Biobehavioral Sciences at Columbia University MA in applied physiology at Columbia
University Associates degree in Arts Management, focus on Development Grant Writing and Fundraising
BFA in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase/Purchase College HSD in Theater arts from Interlochan Arts
Academy HS in Contemporary Dance at UNCSA Studied classical voice, physical theater, costume
construction, Suzuki violin, piano and cello
Please describe relevant experience
Lara Benusis (from South Dakota)Has been a professional dancer, choreographer, producer and now
research scientist in high school, she attended the University of North Caroline School of the Arts for
contemporary dance and graduated from the Interlochan Arts Academy for drama and voice. As a dancer
she was soloist with (Netherlands) Michael Laub's Remote Control Dance Theater, and has worked with
(USA) Robert Wilson, Anne Bogart, Kyle Abraham, Vanessa Beecroft, Chris Elam's Misnomer Dance.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
I was raised by two artists in a community that was once been vapid of the arts in the Black Hills of South
Dakota. My mother is a concert cellist and portrait artist who has been a prominent force for the arts within
her community. She has been instrumental in spearheading the Suzuki musical program in the area the
past century and has been the first chair cellist in the Black Hills Symphony for nearly 50 years. From her I
have seen what it takes to elevate the artistic values of a community, which has been predominately
focused on agriculture mining and ranching. Her influence, along with the collective players she has
gathered have transformed the vibrancy of the area and improved countless lives. From my father, I
learned about the Greek classics, read Shakespeare with him, before starting high school and would hear
him discuss the plots of his comic books with the illustrators he hired for his self-published books before he
taught himself animation.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
Health Advisor and Science Consultant for Equinox, International Board of Advisors for Lohas International
Studio Yoggy.
Additional information or comments
I am on the waitlist for the next Citizen's Academy Fall '25.
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Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission X Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Barbara Chung
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 4
City Carlsbad ZIP 92009
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Retired
Occupation
Employer
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Explanation: I was employed by the City of Carlsbad as Senior Librarian for Children's Services at the
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane until I retired after 17 years of service. My retirement was effective
February 2, 2021 and I began serving as an Arts Commissioner shortly after. I am very familiar with the
responsibilities of the Arts Commission and have been the Chair for the past two years. I would be happy to
be interviewed by the Mayor or any member of City Council.
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Interest
I have always been interested in the Cultural Arts and have been an enthusiastic audience member,
supporter and sometime performer/artist. As a 22 year resident of Carlsbad, I have taken advantage of its
many cultural opportunities over the years, including William D. Cannon Art Gallery exhibits, TGIF concerts,
and films and concerts in the Schulman Auditorium. These experiences have been free, thanks to the
financial support of the City of Carlsbad, but the value generated in terms of enhancing the lives of
Carlsbad's citizens and building a stronger community cannot be calculated. I want to continue to support
the work of the Arts Commission to ensure that future generations can benefit from the City of Carlsbad's
commitment to the Arts.
Please describe your educational background
I have a BA in English and a Master's in Library Science. After being appointed to the Arts Commission in
2021, I completed a certificate program in World Art History, administered by Smithsonian Associates.
Please describe relevant experience
As part of my work as Senior Librarian, I taught the CityStuff curriculum to students at La Costa Heights
Elementary School (my own children's alma mater) and learned a great deal about city government. This
knowledge proved valuable as I began my service on the Arts Commission. Now, after almost four years on
the Arts Commission, I have gained hands-on experience and a more in-depth understanding of the way the
Arts Commission works. I am even more passionate about the Arts than before becoming an Arts
Commissioner and would be excited to re-dedicate myself to this position.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
As a lifetime member of the Carlsbad Friends of the Library, I was eager to volunteer in the Friends of the
Library Bookstore at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane after my retirement and have been a regular
volunteer since it reopened after COVID. I also volunteer once a month in the Children's Services Division at
the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane conducting the Saturday Stories story time program. Both of these
volunteer commitments contribute to my knowledge of Carlsbad's varied citizens and enable me to give
back to this city that I love.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
I served on the vestry of Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in Encinitas and was part of the committee that
called our current Rector, Mother Brenda Sol.
Additional information or comments
In addition to serving as Chair of the Arts Commission, I am currently serving on two Public Art Advisory
Subcommittees: Chestnut Avenue Underpass and Barrio Traffic Circle. I would very much like to complete
my service on these two subcommittees as I was a dedicated member of the Fire Station 2 Public Art
Advisory Subcommittee in 2021 and gained valuable experience as well as personal fulfillment through my
participation.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: January 10, 2025 12:55 PM
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Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission X Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Diana Clark
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City Carlsbad ZIP 92008
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Self-Employed
Occupation Interior Decorator
Employer
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
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Interest
I’ve always been a public-spirited person. Since moving to Carlsbad in 2022, I’ve been looking for a volunteer
opportunity that fits with my particular interests, skills, creativity, and experience. I was so excited when I
saw that there is an opening on the Arts Commission! “Art” was probably my first word. I’ve been
passionate about art my whole life and am intrigued by the power of public art to define a community’s
character, attract and engage tourists, boost local businesses, spark conversation, promote residents’ pride,
activate blighted areas, and even discourage negative discourage negative uses of various spaces. Creating
beauty in my small corner of the world is essential to me, especially as I’ve watched the world become
increasingly complex, turbulent, and hostile. Serving on the Arts Commission would be a meaningful way
for me to fulfill my dream of giving back to and maybe even improving this city. I want to be a part of
something positive right here, right now.
Please describe your educational background
I earned bachelor of arts degrees in English, sociology, and psychology from San Jose State University, and I
went on to earn a secondary teaching credential. My arts education, however, came from being raised by
parents who both held degrees in fine art and by my maternal grandmother, an acclaimed watercolorist. In
my family, art was the everyday topic of conversation and family vacations were opportunities to immerse
ourselves in the art of other regions and cultures. I’ve been an avid art collector and champion of local
artists for about 60 years and live with more than 200 pieces that bring me joy every day. I've traveled
throughout the U.S. and to 131 countries and have savored the public art of many cities and towns. I’m also
an arts autodidact who has studied art history extensively.
Please describe relevant experience
I’m personally invested in the role public art plays in our city. You can count on me to be an involved,
dedicated, thoughtful member who will always study the issues, show up, and share my thoughts when
appropriate. Having owned and run a marketing consulting business in San Diego for 31 years, I’m
experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of budgeting. I appreciate the nuances involved in the decision-
making process. I also have developed an acute appreciation for the importance of understanding and
respecting the backgrounds, values, and tastes of people with differing points of view. As an active interior
decorator, I have a large following on social media. I can, if appropriate, spread the public-arts word via my
network. I will bring to the table more than 60 years of experience serving on many boards, commissions,
task forces, and advisory committees. Because I’m semi-retired, I have ample time to devote to my role on
the Arts Commission, should I be selected to serve.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
** Carlsbad by the Sea Board of Directors, Director, 2023 – Present ** Associated General Contractors
BenefitsPlus Trust, Secretary, 1998 – Present ** Mingei International Museum, Volunteer, 2016 - 2019 **
San Diego Downtown Community Planning Council, Member, 2007 – 2014 ** San Diego Downtown Clean &
Safe Advisory Board, Member, 2011 - 2015 ** San Diego Children’s Park Revitalization Task Force, Member,
2013-2014 ** CityFront Terrace HOA Board of Directors, Member, 2005 – 2009 and 2011 – 2015 ** Park
Place HOA Board of Directors, President, 1998 - 2000 ** San Diego City Manager’s Metropolitan Sewer Task
Force, Member, 1992 - 1995 ** San Diego Repertory Theater, Director, 1983-1995 ** San Diego – Imperial
Girl Scout Council, Director, 1985 - 1989 ** San Diego Repertory Theater Board of Trustees, Member, 1984 –
1992 Thanks to community service, I’ve learned the value of patience, diplomacy, keeping an open mind,
empathy, respect, and consensus-building. Volunteering makes me feel good.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
While president of a condominium HOA in San Diego’s Mission Valley, I oversaw a multi-million dollar
renovation of five buildings situated on 20 acres. I was instrumental in vetting and engaging contractors
and in monitoring the overall budget. The six-month project came in on time and within budget. With the
Clairemont Junior Women’s Club, I organized a team to paint murals at an orphanage and children’s
hospital ward in Tijuana. As a volunteer for the San Diego Poison Information Center, I helped recruit
volunteers, managed publicity, and oversaw a speakers bureau.
Additional information or comments
I'm attaching photos to give you a glimpse at who I am. If you're interested, you can see me on Instagram -
@dianasandiegodecorator. Having personally visited about half of the public arts works throughout
Carlsbad and studied other installations (existing and proposed) online, I would be excited, grateful, and
honored to be given the opportunity to serve the City of Carlsbad Arts Commission. This body has done and
is doing some truly great and important work.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: March 1, 2025 5:59 PM
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