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Home My WebLink About2026-07-21; City Council; 04; Mayoral Appointment of One Member to the Arts CommissionCA Review CKM Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: liana.somepalli@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2849 Subject: Districts: Recommended Action Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Arts Commission. Executive Summary The City Council is being asked to appoint one member 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 Joseph McClory was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2026, to fill the expired term of Commissioner Frances Carrillo for a term ending in March 2030. Commissioner McClory resigned on May 20, 2026. Therefore, an unscheduled vacancy exists on the Arts Commission for a term expiring in March 2030. The City Clerk’s Office received 18 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Arts Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the following applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council: •Lori Robbins – District 1 Exhibit 2 contains the application of the applicant moving forward in the interview process. July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 1 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before Dec. 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 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. Every two years, they must complete two hours of ethics training, workplace harassment prevention training and fiscal and financial training. They must also adhere to the City of Carlsbad’s Code of Ethics and Public Service Values for Board and Commission Members. Fiscal Analysis This action has no financial impact. Next Steps Following the appointment of one member to the Arts Commission, the City Clerk’s Office will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and the filing of the appointee’s statements of economic interest, ethics training, workplace harassment prevention training, fiscal and financial training and acknowledgement of the City of Carlsbad Boards, Commissions and Committees Code of Ethics & Public Service Values. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or 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 2. Application received from resident advancing to the interview process July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 2 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-154 . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE ARTS COMMISSION WHEREAS, Commissioner Joseph McClory was appointed to the Arts Commission in March 2026 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Frances Carrillo for a term ending in March 2030; and WHEREAS, Commissioner McClory resigned on May 20, 2026; and WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission exists with a term ending in March 2030. 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. That the proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or 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 2030, or until a replacement is appointed. July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 3 of 12 Lori Robbins Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 21st day of July, 2026, 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) July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 4 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F 02/19/2026 Boards, Commissions and Committees Application for Appointment Agricultural Mitigation Fee Committee Arts Commission X Environmental Sustainability 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 Investment Review Board Personal Information Name Lori Robbins Date of Birth: Required for Voter Registration Verification Home Address District No. 1 City ZIP 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: Yoga Teacher for Carlsbad Senior Center in 2022 and 2023 Exhibit 2 July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 5 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Interest As Arts Commissioner, I am looking forward to partnering with my colleagues to grow the children’s art program and expand our musical venues. The rapid growth of Carlsbad makes this an ideal time to brainstorm with the other commissioners to ensure that our city remains vibrant with art initiatives that reach all our neighborhoods. My vision for Carlsbad is to make art an integral part of our everyday experience. By weaving art directly into our infrastructure, our city can transform into an “Outdoor Gallery,” where art is not only confined to specific buildings but connects the city together with creative expression. As a former architectural designer, I have experience acquiring custom artwork, sculpture, and painting for commercial environments. I am truly excited about an appointment on the Arts Commission. I look forward to supporting our current arts programs and working with my colleagues to transform Carlsbad into a creative destination for our residents and visitors alike. Please describe your educational background Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University in Cognitive Science Minor in Classical Civilization with summer study in Athens, Cairo and Italy. Interior Design Degree from Boston Architectural College Please describe relevant experience Designed multiple restaurants, offices and retail spaces, including storefronts, millwork, lighting, finishes and custom artwork. Worked closely with artists to create sculptures and murals that aligned with the design objectives. Managed project budgets, schedules, code reviews, personnel and construction oversight. Presented design drawings and concepts to colleagues and clients for feedback. Links to some of my projects as a designer and my watercolor paintings: Architectural Projects: https://purrfaceproductions.com/work-experience Artwork Portfolio: https://purrfaceproductions.com/artwork-portfolio Social media: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_super_cat Please describe your current or past community involvement I have advocated for our community by speaking at Planning, Council, SANDAG and NCTD meetings. For example, I have been working to improve the pedestrian crossings at our rail surface gates and NCTD is in the process of engineering and funding this project. I also worked with the Planning Department on the Design Standards and given feedback on new construction projects. As part of a local resident engagement group, I advocated to improve management and oversight at Windsor Point, to expand street cleaning, reduce litter and manage traffic on our streets. I am a Citizens Academy graduate, so I have seen how much coordinated effort goes into running Carlsbad. I hope an appointment to the Arts Commission allows me to contribute to this effort by ensuring that we continue to improve and maintain our beautiful city. July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 6 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) I am looking forward to my first Carlsbad board appointment as an Arts Commissioner. Additional information or comments I have attached two letters of recommendation. Submittal Information Submit Date: February 19, 2026 1:56 PM July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 7 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F February 3, 2026 Mayor Keith Blackburn City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Re: Arts Commission Vacancy Dear Honorable Mayor Blackburn: I am pleased to write in support of Lori Robbins and her interest in serving on the City of Carlsbad Arts Commission. Lori is a passionate and deeply engaged supporter of downtown Carlsbad and a resident who consistently champions what is best for the vitality, livability, and long-term appeal of Carlsbad Village. Importantly, her commitment extends beyond the Village itself—she is a thoughtful advocate for Carlsbad as a whole and understands how arts and culture contribute to a strong, connected community and sense of place. Lori brings a meaningful blend of artistic knowledge, design sensibility, and civic dedication that makes her a compelling candidate for this role. Her background in visual arts and architecture, paired with hands-on participation in creative communities and cultural events, gives her a well-rounded perspective on both the creative process and the public value of the arts. She understands the discipline behind artistic excellence as well as the importance of making the arts accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike. In addition to her creative experience, Lori is a confident and articulate public speaker who regularly participates in City Council meetings. This familiarity with civic processes, combined with her ability to clearly communicate ideas and advocate thoughtfully, positions her to contribute meaningfully to board discussions and decision-making. Lori’s enthusiasm for the arts, commitment to community involvement, and collaborative approach would be a true asset to the Arts Commission. I strongly support her application and am confident she would serve the City of Carlsbad with insight, creativity, and care. Sincerely, Christine Davis Executive Director Carlsbad Village Association Zachary Markham Chairman Heidi Willes Vice Chair Samantha Dean-Fauce Treasurer Jenna Dotson Secretary Fumi Matsubara Board Member Shawnta Fleming Board Member Chanel Bennet Board Member Anna Howard Board Member The Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) is a non-profit organization whose core purpose is to lead the continual improvement of Carlsbad Village by promoting and enhancing its business, cultural, and community vitality, making it a premier destination. 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. Suite 108A #135 Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbad-village.com info@carlsbad-village.com July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 8 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F January 27,2026 Mayor Keith Blackburn City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Mayor Blackburn, Lori Robbins’ understanding of the important role art plays in the community experience, combined with her hard work and dedication to any task she undertakes, would make Lori a valuable addition to the City of Carlsbad’s Arts Commission. I first met Lori when she was an interior design student and was so impressed that I invited her to join my architectural team. During her time at Darlow Christ Architects, Lori became a lead interior designer specializing in highly detailed, experiential, restaurant and retail projects. From huge metal sculptures, to custom decorative finishes, to integrated light effects, Lori layered commissioned artwork into her projects. The result conveyed art, not as an afterthought, but as a necessary part of the overall experience. Not only did Lori prove herself to be a skilled designer, but also a highly capable project manager establishing and maintaining budgets, coordinating design teams, as well as interfacing with contractors and government officials. Her strong communication skills allow her to seamlessly interface with everyone, strengthening a team approach. Outside of work, I have enjoyed seeing Lori’s self-directed art projects and her commitment to the Carlsbad community. I am confident that she would bring her passion and skills to a position on the Arts Commission. Sincerely, Catherine A Christ, Principal Darlow Christ Architects July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 9 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Pr o j e c t s July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 10 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Ar t w o r k July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 11 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F Link to my website with current and past design projects: https://purrfaceproductions.com July 21, 2026 Item #4 Page 12 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: B747EC0E-FC08-8EE6-8395-ABAD54D95C0F