December 6, 2010

MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, December 6, 2010
3:00 p.m.
City Hall Room 416

Minutes

President Johnston called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m.
 

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   P.J. Johnston, President
   JD Beltran, Vice President
   John Calloway
   Gregory Chew
   Amy Chuang
   Lorraine García-Nakata
   Barbara Sklar
   Cass Calder Smith
   Kimberlee Stryker
   Ron Miguel, ex officio
   
   Commissioners Absent
   Mark Breitenberg
   Leo Chow
   Maya Draisin
   Sherene Melania
   Jessica Silverman
   Sherri Young
   
    
2. Approval of Minutes
   This item was withdrawn.
   
    
3. President’s Report
   President Johnston announced that the Mayor hoped to appoint someone to fill Commissioner Draisin’s seat before she left for New York after her seven years of service. President Johnston added that while there has been a lot of transition in the Commission over the past few years, the departing members have not always been properly acknowledged. He hoped to hold a reception in January or February to say goodbye to Commissioner Draisin and to other former Commissioners and staff who are available, to thank them for their service.
   
   President Johnston distributed the Commission’s 2011 meeting schedule, noting that the Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee meetings were now set for 3:00 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m. He noted that a few meetings had been changed to accommodate holidays, and he announced that the next meeting of the full Commission would be on Monday, January 10 instead of January 3. The Civic Design Review Committee meeting will be held immediately following, at 4:30 p.m. on January 10. Since staff will be out of the office on furlough during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, this allows more time for posting and distribution of the agendas.
   
   Besides, he thought, there may be a lot going on at City Hall on January 3, with the transition of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor. He reminded everyone that Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Mayor, and that there could be changes with any incoming Mayor, although perhaps not immediately.
   
   President Johnston said that, unfortunately, the Commission would again have to consider budget cuts, and that the Mayor issued a directive to all departments to prepare for cuts in the 2011-2012 budget, which already has a large deficit projected. He reminded Commissioners that the Commission will discuss and adopt a budget for the department in January and February, and he predicted some cuts, hopefully not devastating ones.
   
   President Johnston reported that he has discussed with Mr. Cancel and with Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie a proposal to distribute agendas and supporting documents to Commissioners electronically unless they specifically request paper copies. He noted that with fifteen Commissioners and five Committees, a lot of paper is used to print documents, with the associated cost and time for printing, assembly and delivery. He said that it took awhile for him to come to support the idea, and he appreciates the convenience of reading hard copies anywhere. He expressed concern that an e-mail message might not get as much attention as a large envelope full of documents. He added that, of course, Commissioners could still request paper copies, and he asked Commissioners for their opinions, and whether they had experience with other commissions or boards distributing documents electronically.
   
   Vice President Beltran said that she did most of her reading online, and that she liked paper. She thought it was important to have reference copies at the meetings, for Commissioners and for the public. Commissioner Stryker thought the proposal was a good idea. Commissioner Chew wanted to keep the option of paper for those who prefer it. Commissioner García-Nakata agreed, and said she thought the real question was how important it was that people reviewed the documents, arguing that reading online was not as good. She requested hard copies, and said that since her work as a publisher requires so much time on the computer, she wouldn’t be able to read Commission documents online, too. She added that she archives all the material, and prefers paper. She pointed out that receiving a message that the documents are posted online isn’t the same as actually reading the documents.
   
   Commissioner Sklar said that she feels like she’s drowning in paper, and would be happy to know that the documents are on her computer for her to read at her convenience. She agreed that it was a good idea economically to reduce the distribution of paper documents.
   
   President Johnston asked Ms. Ritchie to poll Commissioners on how they wish to receive the documents. He reiterated that these are still public documents, and will continue to be posted and made available for review.
   
   
4. Director’s Report
   Mr. Cancel acknowledged the amount of work Ms. Ritchie does on behalf of the Commission and the agency, keeping communications flowing. He described it as a phenomenal amount of work, and called for a round of applause to thank her. President Johnston mentioned the occasional initiatives like the Arts Task Force which sometimes add to the workload.
   
   Mr. Cancel added that Ms. Ritchie has received a lot of help from Geneviève Massé, the Arts Commission’s Canadian intern, who has worked pro bono for the last eighteen months. He announced that her internship was over and the agency was losing her. He said that she had totally endeared herself to everyone on the staff and on the Commission, and she sent her regrets, having hoped to come and say goodbye to the Commission at today’s meeting. Mr. Cancel explained that the staff was struggling to find a way to backfill all the many ways she had been supporting the agency, and asked the Commission’s indulgence over the next several weeks, as communications might be a little slower.
   
   Mr. Cancel reported that the Commission has done very well over the last several months, with the Mayor’s budget holding the Arts Commission harmless, a major victory, but short-lived. He said that department heads have received new budget instructions, almost as bad as last year’s. He said that the budget gap, some $380 million, is substantially lower than last year’s nearly $500 million. Mr. Cancel explained that all departments are called on to find cuts of 10% and a 10% contingency for the next fiscal year. He said that the Mayor has called for a proposal for a 2.5% cut for the current fiscal year by December 21, with a proposal by the end of January for the remaining 7.5% plus the 10% for the next fiscal year. Mr. Cancel distributed a spreadsheet with a draft proposal for this cut.
   
   He explained that in late September and early October, the Mayor’s office was very concerned about the first quarter report and asked all departments to set aside a reserve; for the Arts Commission, the amount was $194,000. At that time, Mr. Cancel proposed taking the reserve from Cultural Equity Grants (“CEG”) and the Cultural Centers; with 60% of the cut from CEG and 40% of the cut from the Cultural Centers. The current request from the Mayor’s Budget Office allows the agency to reduce the reserve, and he requested guidance from the Commission on the policy implications of this direction. He reviewed the specific amounts involved for grants and for each of the Centers. He added that he was not suggesting that the entire 10% contingency cut come from CEG and the Cultural Centers, but said that a lot of discussion was needed. He also expected to make a vigorous argument that the Arts Commission should be exempted from that 10% cut, and he requested direction from the Commission.
   
   President Johnston said that he would not propose that all of the 10% contingency come from CEG and the Cultural Centers. He did agree with the direction of the first 2.5%; although he was not happy to see cuts, he noted that the amount was less than had been reserved. He requested options with other choices for cuts for the next 7.5%. He noted that by “permanent” cuts, the Mayor’s office generally means staff cuts. In response to President Johnston’s question, Mr. Cancel confirmed that all the cuts being requested are from the General Fund. President Johnston noted that because of the various funding sources, it is difficult to make cuts in any other areas and achieve the result called for by the Mayor’s Budget office, and that anything funded by the General Fund is a target.
   
   Commissioner García-Nakata said that expectations of what staff can accomplish with reductions must be realistic, and she urged the Commission and the agency not to lose track of that. She asked about the use of the term “reserve” in this context. Mr. Cancel said that it was money that had to be set aside and could not be spent until it was approved by the Mayor’s Budget office; President Johnston thought that perhaps “on reserve” was a better way to think of it.
   
   Commissioner Calloway asked why the cut should be split 60/40 rather than 50/50 between CEG and the Centers. Mr. Cancel said that grants were for events yet to take place, and in that way somewhat discretionary. Cultural Center funding goes directly into salaries and core operational expenses, he explained. Therefore, he thought CEG could better absorb the greater share of cuts. Commissioner Calloway pointed out to his colleagues that he has visited all the Centers, and that one in particular, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, has had high turnover. He said that the cuts affect the Centers’ staff morale, and how long they stay in their jobs.
   
   President Johnston acknowledged that the Commission will delve further into this question, and he predicted an intense meeting in February. By then, he thought, the leadership issues will have been settled, and the City’s new leadership will be looking closely at the budget. He thought Mr. Cancel’s proposal for the initial 2.5% cut made sense, and promised a close look at the fuller picture in the coming months. Citing his long experience with the Cultural Centers, he knew how disruptive cuts to their budgets can be. Conversely, he said, taking all of the cuts from CEG would bring protests from other members of the community that the Commission was unfairly protecting the Centers. He affirmed the need for all parties to be considered, adding that all are in this together. He added that Mr. Cancel did present the good news that the cut was less than the 10% reserve called for earlier.
   
   Mr. Cancel said that between now and January 10, he would be working remotely with staff to come up with various scenarios to meet the fiscal year 2012 cut and the contingency. He said it would be important to lay out the options for the Commission at its January meeting to prevent a repeat of last year’s unhappiness and concern about the timing of the budget submission. While the new Mayor will have been in office for only a few weeks, and may wish to change the schedule, Mr. Cancel affirmed that he intended to submit his proposals to the Commission in January. He predicted intense discussion of the budget at the Executive Committee’s January meeting, and thought the full Commission would likely have to adopt the budget at its February meeting. Whatever changes or disruptions might be created by the mayoral transition, he thought the expectations for the departments would be, if anything, more rigorous.
   
   Turning to a lighter matter, Mr. Cancel referred Commissioners to the flyer before them on the launch of the ARTery, set for Thursday, December 9. He explained that three artists had been commissioned to create light installations on Market Street, that staff have engaged a number of partner organizations on the street, and that the Mayor will attend the launch event. Mr. Cancel explained that San Francisco artist Jim Campbell has created an artwork with images projected on the American Conservatory Theatre’s storefront opposite United Nations Plaza at 1119 Market Street. Diagonally across the street, from inside the Art Institute, artist Paul Notzold has an interesting collaborative installation, projecting text from the WritersCorps poets onto the huge blank wall of the Hotel Renoir. Mr. Cancel said that the images and text would change every night of the six months the piece will be in place; it was important that the novelty of the works not wear off. The third installation, by artist Theo Watson, is also interactive. He explained that a camera capture station is installed near the Warfield Theater. Passersby can be photographed and see their image projected on the furniture and carpet store above the Luggage Store Gallery. Mr. Cancel explained that the launch will feature music, and that the Philippine Parol Festival has graciously agreed to bring their handmade lanterns as part of the festivities. Community Arts and Education Program Director Judy Nemzoff added that the event will incorporate a variety of lights, including light sticks and a glow-in-the-dark car from Burning Man. Three nearby galleries are holding openings that evening. Ms. Nemzoff said that if it is raining, the festivities will be held inside Hospitality House.
   
   Director of Programs Jill Manton reported that the Civic Design Review Program hosted a presentation for a variety of City staff showcasing creativity in public architecture. Dutch architect Caroline Bos spoke as part of Dutch Design Week. Staff and the Committee hoped to do more events for City architecture and design staff, perhaps with some of the sister cities. She added that after her recent trip there, officials in Gothenburg, Sweden, have expressed interest in pursuing a contractual relationship with the Arts Commission to help promote cultural diversity. She noted that San Francisco’s efforts in this regard are recognized worldwide.
   
   Mr. Cancel reported that he had been asked to prepare a document for the new Mayor’s transition binder. The document summarizes the mission, goals, strategic plan and achievements of the Arts Commission. He thought there were many good things for the Commission to be proud of, and he offered to circulate the document to the Commissioners.
   
   Mr. Cancel announced the tenth anniversary of Community Arts and Education Program Manager Robynn Takayama, and he praised her as a valuable resource for the agency. President Johnston echoed that, noting that she had stepped in to address publicity on six news stories in the past week while Public Art Program Manager Kate Patterson was on vacation.
   
   Mr. Cancel announced that San Francisco Chronicle reporter Jessica Kwong wrote an article on graffiti on monuments, which started a news cycle on the issue. Mr. Cancel then had several news conferences and interviews on the subject, highlighting the agency’s several innovative approaches, including ArtCare and the partnership with the Department of Public Works.
   
   Ms. Manton reported on the City’s Capital Planning Committee, whose meetings she has been attending on behalf of the Arts Commission. She said that she has learned that the committee not only participates in the annual budget, but it also addresses capital needs that arise during the year. She explained that she has an emergency meeting set regarding repairs to the Bayview Opera House wall, and will bring up the graffiti remediation for public artworks and monuments now that they have attracted so much public attention. She thought this meeting was well-timed, and would seek emergency funding or funding folded into the FY2012 budget.
   
   Finally, Mr. Cancel asked Street Artists Program Director Howard Lazar to mention the street artists. Mr. Lazar reminded everyone that this is the key selling season for street artists, and he urged people to visit them in Justin Herman Plaza, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. He added that the Board of Supervisors has approved 65 extra spaces for the holiday season in perpetuity, and finally, he observed that there have been more tourists recently, which is good for business.
   
   President Johnston noted that Mr. Cancel has been in the press a lot recently, and he expressed mixed feelings about the graffiti stories. President Johnston thought that print stories were valuable, but feared that television stories unfortunately tended to give vandals the exposure they sought. He congratulated Mr. Cancel and staff on making lemonade out of lemons in this case, and hoped that other City agencies felt the need to step up to help solve the problem.
   
    
5. Consent Calendar
   Items one, two, five and seven of the consent calendar were withdrawn. The remaining items were adopted as follows.
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-324:
   Approval: RESOLVED, that this Commission does hereby adopt the following items on the Consent Calendar and their related Resolutions:
   
   Approval of Committee Minutes
   
   1. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-325: Motion to approve the Community Arts, Education, and Grants Committee Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2010.
       
   2. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-326: Motion to approve the Street Artists Committee Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2010.
       
   3. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-327: Motion to approve the Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2010.
      
       
      Community Arts, Education, and Grants Committee Recommendations (November 9, 2010)
   4. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-328: Motion to approve the following individuals as grants application review panelists for Cultural Equity Grants:
      Lenora Lee, choreographer and dancer
      Shefali Shah, environmental justice educator and instructor of traditional dance
      Kevin Simmonds, writer and musician
      
      
   5. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-329: Motion to approve recommendations to award sixteen grants totaling $330,175 in the Cultural Equity Initiative Level One grants to the following organizations, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each for the amounts listed:
      3rd I South Asian Independent Film Festival, $23,750
      509 Cultural Center/Luggage Store, $23,750
      Asian Improv aRts, $21,250
      Au Co Vietnamese Cultural Center, $21,250
      Bayview Hunters Point Center for Arts and Technology (BAYCAT), $23,750
      Chinese Historical Society of America, $19,000
      Chitresh Das Dance Company, $21,250
      Cuba Caribe, $17,600
      Femina Potens, $21,250
      Galeria de La Raza, $21,250
      GenRyu Arts, $21,250
      Hyphen Magazine, $15,725
      La Pocha Nostra, $20,000
      Loco Bloco Drum and Dance Ensemble, $20,000
      San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, $17,850
      Zaccho Dance Theatre, $21,250
      
      
   6. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-330: Motion to approve recommendations to award forty-two grants totaling $385,800 in the Individual Artist Commissions grants to the following individuals, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each for the amounts listed:
      Ali Liebgott, $10,000
      Allan deSouza, $9,000
      Anhvu Buchanan, $10,000
      Annie Sprinkle, $10,000
      Austin Chu, $9,000
      Chrissy Anderson-Zavala, $8,550
      D. Scot Miller, $8,550
      Debbie Yee, $9,000
      Elissa Perry, $8,000
      Genny Lim, $10,000
      Imin Yeh, $10,000
      Jason Jagel, $10,000
      Jason Roberts Dobrin, $7,600
      Jay Rosenblatt, $9,000
      Jenni Olson, $8,000
      Jeremy Sanders, $9,000
      John Jota Leaños, $10,000
      Josef Norris, $9,000
      Kevin Simmonds, $10,000
      Laurie Coyle, $8,550
      Lenore Chinn, $9,000
      Lynn Marie Kirby, $9,000
      Matt Borruso, $9,000
      Melinda Stone, $9,500
      Michael Namkung, $10,000
      Michelle Tea, $8,000
      Monica Peck, $8,000
      Nara Denning, $10,000
      Nona Caspers, $9,000
      Pamela Z, $10,000
      Rafael Landea, $9,000
      Ramekon O’Arwisters, $9,000
      Richard D’Elia, $9,000
      Sam Green, $9,000
      Sarah Fran Wisby, $9,000
      Sergio de la Torre, $10,000
      Stacy Jackson, $9,000
      Su-Chen Hung, $9,000
      Susan Stryker, $9,500
      Suzanne Husky, $10,000
      Tina Takemoto, $10,000
      Valerie Soe, $8,500
      
      Street Artists Committee Recommendations (November 11, 2010)
   7. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-331: Motion to approve re-issuance of former certificate number (#373) to street artist David Brancato (currently #5345).
       
      Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (November 15, 2010)
   8. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-332: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Cayuga Clubhouse and Playground.
       
   9. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-333: Motion to approve Phase 2 of the Palega Playground Renovation on the contingency that the landscaping is revised with consideration to where the artwork will be located, the shape of the skylight is modified, and the building is painted white.
       
      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (November 17, 2010)
   10. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-334: Motion to approve the following arts professionals as potential panelists for the 2011 Prequalified Artist Pool selection panel:
       Lucinda Barnes, Chief Curator, Berkeley Art Museum
       Jennifer Easton, Public Art Project Manager, San Jose Public Art Program
       Steven Huss, Cultural Arts Programs Coordinator, City of Oakland
       Mark Johnson, Director, San Francisco State Gallery
       Carrie Lederer, Director, Bedford Gallery
       Ellen Oh, Director, Kearny Street Workshop
       Mary Rubin, Public Art Project Manager, San Jose Public Art Program
       Dara Solomon, Contemporary Jewish Museum
       Stephanie Syjuco, artist
       Maysoun Wazwaz, Exhibitions Program Manager, Southern Exposure
       Dominic Willsdon, Director of Education, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
        
   11. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-335: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to modify the agreement with Nancy Blum to increase the agreement by $309,904 for a total contract amount not to exceed $330,404 for design, fabrication and transportation of artwork for General Hospital Acute Care Unit: Floor 5.
        
   12. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-336: Motion to approve the temporary installation of Kate Raudenbush’s sculpture Future’s Past, at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley.
        
   13. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-337: Motion to approve the temporary installation of Frame by Robert Glass in Lafayette Square Park.
        
   14. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-338: Motion to amend Resolution Number 0802-10-214, which authorizes the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a separate Design Development contract with artist Yumei Hou and artist Tomie Arai to each create artworks for the Central Subway Chinatown Station for an amount not to exceed $25,000, to now include the complete scope of work as originally contemplated under the Request For Proposals to include design development and consultation during fabrication and installation and to also increase the total contract not-to-exceed amount for each artist’s contract to $400,000.
        
   15. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-339: Motion to amend Resolution Number 0802-10-215, which authorizes the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a separate Design Development contract with the artist team of Jim Campbell and Werner Klotz and artist Erwin Redl to each create an artwork for the Central Subway Union Square/Market Street Station for an amount not to exceed $25,000 for each contract, to now include the complete scope of work as originally contemplated under the Request For Proposals for Jim Campbell and Werner Klotz’ contract to include Design Development and Consultation during Fabrication and Installation, and to include the complete scope of work as originally contemplated under the Request For Proposals for Erwin Redl’s contract to include design development, fabrication and consultation during installation, and to increase the total not-to-exceed amount for Jim Campbell and Werner Klotz’ contract to $400,000 and to increase the total not-to-exceed amount for Erwin Redl’s contract to $700,000.
        
   16. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-340: Motion to amend Resolution Number 0802-10-216, which authorizes the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a separate design development contract with artist Tom Otterness and artist Catherine Wagner to each create an artwork for the Central Subway Moscone Station for an amount not to exceed $25,000 for each contract, to now include the complete scope of work as originally contemplated under the Request For Proposals the scope of work for Tom Otterness’ contract to include Design Development, Fabrication of Molds, Consultation during Fabrication and Installation of Sculptures, and to now include the complete scope of work as originally contemplated in the Request For Proposals for Catherine Wagner’s contract to include Design Development and Consultation during Fabrication and Installation, and to increase the total not-to-exceed amount for Tom Otterness’ contract to $600,000 and Catherine Wagner’s contract to $400,000.
        
   17. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-341: Motion to approve the revised design of the artwork, Valencia Street Posts by artist Michael Arcega, consisting of four wood utility posts each topped with a steel, aluminum and copper Victorian-inspired sculpture with an enamel finish, located along Valencia Street between 16th and 19th Streets.
        
   18. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-342: Motion to accept into the Civic Art Collection an artwork titled Valencia Street Posts, by artist Michael Arcega, consisting of four 10-foot-high wood utility posts each topped with a Victorian-inspired ornamental crown of steel, aluminum and copper, each approximately four feet high by two feet by two feet, installed on Valencia Street between 16th and 19th Streets.
        
   19. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-343: Motion to approve the conceptual design of an artwork by Primitivo Suarez-Wolfe for the Market and Church Street location associated with the Church and Duboce Streetscape Improvement Project.
        
   20. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-344: Motion to approve Conceptual Design Phase deliverables by Moto Ohtake for artwork for Fulton Playground.
        
   21. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-345: Motion to approve the Design Development Phase deliverables by Anna Valentina Murch for the General Hospital Acute Care Unit Plaza Artwork project.
        
   22. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-346: Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contractual relationship with Mr. Daniel Nevers for an honorarium in the amount of $1,200 for the research, development and production of a newly commissioned artwork for the SFAC Gallery’s 155 Grove Street installation space.
        
   23. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-347: Motion for the Director of Cultural Affairs to approve an honorarium in the amount of $800 per artist for the following artists: Ms. Lindsey White, Ms. Kristina Lewis, Ms. Jasmin Lim, Mr. Matthew Kennedy, Mr. Brion Nuda Rosch and Mr. Chris Sollars for the research, development and production of newly commissioned artworks for the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery’s exhibition Isn’t It Obvious?
        
   24. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-348: Motion to approve an honorarium of $3,500 to Ms. Justine Topfer for curatorial services on the exhibition Sister City Biennial.
        
   25. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-349: Motion to approve art program parameters for Public Safety Building.
        
       Executive Committee Recommendations (November 22, 2010)
   26. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-350: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to transfer the $3,000 administrative fee received from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency for Arts Commission services performed for the Sixth Street Artwalk to the Friends of the San Francisco Arts Commission account at Intersection for the Arts.
        
   27. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-351: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to expend $125,000 from the Market Street–Public Artwork account to support light installations by artists Jim Campbell, Paul Notzold and Theo Watson for the ARTery’s “Lights on Market,” the signature design element for the National Endowment for the Arts Mayors’ Institute on City Design award.
        
   28. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-352: Motion to establish the “Innovations in Strengthening the Arts” Grants Program which will support research, knowledge-building activities, and capacity-building and technology-based initiatives that strengthen San Francisco’s arts community.
        
6. Committee Reports and Committee Matters
   1. Executive Committee—P.J. Johnston, Chair
      1. President Johnston reported that Mr. Cancel discussed the budget, and the Committee approved the items already discussed. He reported that the Committee took a closer look at the proposed study assessing the strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness of the grants program. He said that none of the Committee disagreed about the importance of the study, but they expressed concern about spending money now. A member questioned whether this money could instead be spent on grants, but staff explained that funding for the assessment is from a separate source and could not add to the grants pool. Ultimately, the Committee agreed that it would be money well spent and approved the proposal.
         
         President Johnston said that the Executive Committee may have to take a second look at items approved by other Committees in light of the budget constraints. He added that he tries to ensure that the Executive Committee includes a member, ideally the Chair, of each of the other Committees.
          
   2. Civic Design Review Committee—Cass Calder Smith, Chair
      1. Commissioner Smith reported that the Committee had met, with few projects and none of them controversial. He reported that the Committee had approved a playground at the Cayuga Recreation Center. President Johnston commented that he liked this small park near BART, where the gardener had long cared for a group of unique wooden sculptures.
         
         Commissioner Smith reported that the Committee had also reviewed some water treatment plants and recommended a few small changes.
          
   3. Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee—Maya Draisin, Chair
      1. In the absence of Commissioner Draisin, Commissioner Calloway reported that the African American Art and Culture Complex presented its 2009-2010 report. He noted that this Center, like the others, made big improvements over the last year, adding that he is the Committee’s “ambassador” for this Center. He reported that the Center is very well used, with great depth and breadth of programs, and a lot going on all the time. He reported that they are trying to get bingo back into the lineup for the community’s elders.
         
         Commissioner Calloway reported that the Committee’s meetings will now be held at 3:00 rather than 3:30, as President Johnston announced earlier.
         
         Commissioner Calloway presented the following motion.
         
         
      2. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-353: Motion to approve the following individuals as grants application review panelists for Cultural Equity Grants:
         April Kim, Program Director, Oakland Asian Cultural Center
         Joti Singh, Choreographer and Artistic Director, Duniya Drum and Dance Company
         Raelle Myrick-Hodges, Artistic Director, Brava for Women in the Arts
          
   4. Street Artists Committee—Gregory Chew, Chair
      1. Commissioner Chew thanked Street Artists Program Associate Alyssa Licouris for a great job on the Committee’s minutes. He reiterated Mr. Lazar’s encouragement to patronize the artists, and he presented the following motions
         
         
      2. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-354: Motion to approve requests by former certificate-holders for priority issuance of certificate with waiver of re-screening of wares: Eric Anrigo, Virginia Travers, Jess Zepeda, Kenneth Negran, Sonia Davis.
          
      3. RESOLUTION NO. 1206-10-355: Motion to approve request by applicant for waiver of 15-day requirement for obtaining a certificate: Brandon Robinson.
          
   5. Visual Arts Committee—Lorraine García-Nakata, Chair
      1. Commissioner García-Nakata reported that the Committee, as always, had a busy meeting. She reported that the big Central Subway project is moving forward. She said that the Committee approved several design development contracts, noting that the public art projects are moving briskly in order to keep up with the overall subway project. She reported that the Committee reviewed a smaller project on Valencia Street, and was interested to follow its evolution into a very handsome artwork. She noted that the Committee also approved motions related to the Church and Duboce streetscape, and reviewed two playgrounds presented by Public Art Project Manager Jennifer Lovvorn, as well as General Hospital’s Acute Care Plaza, and some exciting exhibitions planned for the Gallery.
         
         Commissioner García-Nakata also reported that the Committee discussed the new Public Safety building, and possible police and fire memorials. President Johnston explained that this building is essentially a second Hall of Justice, a huge project located south of Market on Third Street near the bridge. Commissioner García-Nakata added that security and a sense of welcoming were both important for the building.
         
         President Johnston noted that Commissioner Miguel was already familiar with the project, since it had come before the Planning Commission, and that public art would be an important component of the building, as it is at General Hospital. He added that he would like staff to present the General Hospital project to the full Commission soon.
         
         Commissioner Sklar asked about the status of the Veterans War Memorial project. Mr. Cancel reported that the selection panel reviewed proposals submitted in response to a public call, and chose three semifinalists. Those three will present their final designs in the spring. President Johnston added that he had sat on that panel, which reviewed proposals from 34 teams, each consisting of an artist and an architect. He noted that one of the three teams included former Commissioner Andrea Cochran. He thought that the panel was looking for a magnificent memorial, totally unique to San Francisco. He compared the process to the Harvey Milk bust, in that the War Memorial Board chose to work with the Arts Commission because of the expertise of staff. Mr. Cancel added that the three final proposals will be presented to the public for comments.
         
         Commissioner García-Nakata thanked staff and Commissioners for their hard work.
          
7. Public Comment
   There was no other public comment.
   
    
8. New Business
   There was no new business.
   
    
9. Reports and Announcements
   There were no other reports or announcements.
   
    
10. Adjournment
    President Johnston noted that this was the last meeting of the year, and he wished everyone happy holidays and a happy new year.
    
    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
     

12/22/10 spr