MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, June 1, 2020
2:30 p.m.
Remote Meeting via video and teleconferencing
 

Minutes 

President Ordeñana called the meeting to order at 2:41 p.m.

1. Roll Call
   
   Commissioners Present
   Roberto Ordeñana, President
   Kimberlee Stryker, Vice President
   JD Beltran
   Charles Collins
   Suzanne Ferras
   Mary Jung
   Dorka Keehn
   Nabiel Musleh
   Linda Parker Pennington
   Abby Sadin Schnair
   Marcus Shelby
   Janine Shiota
   Debra Walker
   Paul Woolford
   
   Commissioners Absent
   Joel Koppel, ex officio
   
   President Ordeñana opened the meeting with following statement:
   
   Good afternoon Commissioners, Staff and Members of the Public,
   
   I want to acknowledge that we are gathering virtually today during an incredibly challenging and painful time. The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected millions across the globe. The pandemic has wreaked havoc through some of the most vulnerable communities in our country and here at home - particularly black and African American communities, among our seniors, our families living in poverty, our unsheltered, our homeless and marginally housed.
   
   At the same time we face this crisis, we continue to pull back the curtain that has tried to shroud the fallacy of White Supremacy for hundreds of years. Our communities mourn and call out the injustices facing black lives at the hands of police around the country and around the globe.
   
   Today I invite us to open our meeting with a moment of silence, a reflection on the names of those recently murdered including: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, a reflection on the lives of at least 12 black trans and gender non-binary people in 2020, and the many ancestors whose shoulders we stand on as we re-commit to our work of racial equity and justice.
   
   I also want to acknowledge the challenges facing our artists and arts and culture organizations as we face a shrinking economy. Our work here at the San Francisco Arts Commission to help uplift the voices and incredible talent of artists will and must not stop as we face these challenges and a long road ahead.
   
   President Ordeñana announced virtual meeting instructions. Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre announced public comment instructions.
    
2. Approval of Minutes
   Commissioner Parker Pennington, seconded by Commissioner Beltran moved to approve the March 2, 2020 Minutes, as presented.
   
   There was no public comment.
   
   The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
   
   Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Beltran, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
    
   RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-059: Motion to approve March 2, 2020 Minutes.
    
3. General Public Comment
   
   Junglesmith, San Francisco resident, said they were concerned about the preservation of institutional buildings primarily the only greenbelt in the muni system, T Street Park, which has an application with Public Works. They explained this would be the nation’s first LGBTQ Veteran’s Grove and Harvey’s Garden Grove. He said he wants to save this greenbelt on the 2400 block near Castro Street.
   
   Shannon Riley, founder of Building 180, said she has partnered to create an initiative called Paint the Void. She explained that this initiative works with local businesses to paint boarded up storefronts with murals which started as a response to COVID-19. She said that 60 murals have been painted and they have raised over $50,000. She said they’ve recently shifted their direction to respond to the protests. She said their small team has beautified San Francisco. She explained that she wanted to bring this effort to the Commission’s attention and see if there are any funding possibilities. She also said they’re looking for a place to store the boards, and a space to exhibit the boards. She said they’re working with working with commissioners to create historical record and asked if there are any volunteers to help on initiative.
    
4. Director’s Report
   President Ordeñana thanked Acting Director of Cultural Affairs Rebekah Krell for her leadership during these challenging times and her hard work to make deep investments in our artist communities while we face this crisis.
   
   Acting Director of Cultural Rebekah Krell reported on programmatic updates, the agency’s response and recovery efforts, budget updates and a proposed charter amendment limiting commissioner terms. She also updated the commission on grant funding opportunities.
   
   Commissioner Shelby left the meeting at 3:03 p.m.
   
   Commissioner Parker Pennington left the meeting at 3:07 p.m.
   
   President Ordeñana provided an update on the Director of Cultural Affairs search. He explained that the next step is to create a formal contract with a recruitment firm. He said that he met with Bob Murray & Associates with Commissioner Stryker and Acting Director Krell. He invited Valerie Gaeta Phillips, President and Executive Recruiter of Bob Murray & Associates, to introduce herself and her firm.
   
   Ms. Phillips described the recruitment search process including the timeline of milestones. She highlighted the importance of stakeholder feedback at the beginning of the search process. She said typically the process takes about 4-months. President Ordeñana added that the search committee will be the Executive Committee. He also said that the Commission is looking into hosting a public hearing to obtain feedback from the community.
   
   Commissioner Beltran left the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
   
   Commissioners provided feedback for Ms. Phillips to consider during the search process and discussion continued relating to the details of the search. Commissioners gave input on elements to consider during the search process. There was further discussion about the search timeline especially given the circumstances of COVID-19. President Ordeñana added that staff input will be an important step in the process.
   
   There was no public comment.
    
5. Civic Design Review Items
   1. Commissioner Woolford announced that he would need to recuse himself from consideration of this item. He left the meeting at 3:54 p.m.
      
      Commissioner Stryker introduced the motion to approve Phase 3 of the SFO Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C) Project.   
      
      Commissioner Stryker described details of the project.
      
      Commissioner Schnair, seconded by Commissioner Ferras moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-060: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the SFO Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C) Project.   
      
      Commissioner Woolford returned to the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
       
   2. Commissioner Stryker introduced the motion to approve Phase 1, 2, and 3 of the Stevenson Lighting Project.
      
      Commissioner Stryker described details of the project.
      
      Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Walker moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-061: Motion to approve Phase 1, 2, and 3 of the Stevenson Lighting Project.
       
6. Community Investments Items
   1. President Ordeñana announced that he would need to recuse himself from consideration of the first item relating to the Queer Cultural Center because this organization rents space from his employer, the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center. President Ordenana left the meeting at 4:06 p.m.
       
      1. Commissioner Stryker introduced the motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $635,223 and the Department of Children Youth and Families grant amount of $157,500 to the African American Art and Culture Complex (“AAACC”) and to sub-grantee Queer Cultural Center (“QCC”) for a grant amount of $123,868; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $916,591 at this time.
         
         Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Woolford moved to approve the motion, as presented.
         
         Public Comment:
         Inga Bard asked how organizations can apply for the grant.
         
         Commissioner Collins described cultural center allocations and referred the commenter to speak to Arts Commission staff Jaren Bonillo and Joanne Lee.
         
         The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
         
         Ayes: Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
         
         ​RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-062: Motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $635,223 and the Department of Children Youth and Families grant amount of $157,500 to the African American Art and Culture Complex (“AAACC”) and to sub-grantee Queer Cultural Center (“QCC”) for a grant amount of $123,868; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $916,591 at this time.
         ​
      2. Commissioner Stryker introduced the motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $388,452 to the Bayview Opera House; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $388,452 at this time.
         
         Commissioner Shiota, seconded by Commissioner Schnair moved to approve the motion, as presented.
         
         There was no public comment.
         
         President Ordenana returned to the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
         
         The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
         Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-063: Motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $388,452 to the Bayview Opera House; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $388,452 at this time.
          
      3. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $627,408 to Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $627,408 at this time.
         
         Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Shiota moved to approve the motion, as presented.
         
         There was no public comment.
         
         The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
         Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-064: Motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $627,408 to Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $627,408 at this time.
          
      4. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $714,729 to SOMArts; and to sub-grantee Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (“APICC”) for a grant amount of $123,868; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $838,597 at this time.
         
         Commissioner Shiota, seconded by Commissioner Walker moved to approve the motion, as presented.
         
         There was no public comment.
         
         The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
         Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-065: Motion to approve the Cultural Center grant amount of $714,729 to SOMArts; and to sub-grantee Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (“APICC”) for a grant amount of $123,868; and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a total grant agreement not to exceed $838,597 at this time.
          
   2. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve an online platform for the Art Vendor application intake. He asked Deputy Director Joanne Lee to provide context.
      
      Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-066: Motion to approve an online platform for the Art Vendor application intake.
       
7. Visual Arts Items 
   1. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve final design of Phillip Hua’s artwork for the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans – Main Lobby.
      
      Director of Public Art & Civic Art Collection Susan Pontious described the Phillip Hua’s artwork.
      
      Commissioner Stryker, seconded by Commissioner Ferras moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-067: Motion to approve final design of Phillip Hua’s artwork for the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans – Main Lobby.
       
   2. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve the list of artworks for purchase and display inside the new 49 South Van Ness Building Project.
      
      Commissioner Keehn described the list of artworks.  
      
      Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-068: Motion to approve the list of artworks for purchase and display inside the new 49 South Van Ness Building Project.
       
   3. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to approve the artist Antonio Mendez and the artwork proposal for the Plaque Honoring Mayor Ed Lee project, as recommended by the artist review panel.
      
      Commissioner Keehn described the proposal.  
      
      Commissioner Stryker, seconded by Commissioner Schnair moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-069: Motion to approve the artist Antonio Mendez and the artwork proposal for the Plaque Honoring Mayor Ed Lee project, as recommended by the artist review panel.
       
   4. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Antonio Mendez for an amount not to exceed $44,000 for the design, engineering, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork for the Plaque Honoring Mayor Ed Lee public art project.
      
      Commissioner Schnair, seconded by Commissioner Ferras moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-070: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a contract with Antonio Mendez for an amount not to exceed $44,000 for the design, engineering, fabrication, transportation and installation consultation of an artwork for the Plaque Honoring Mayor Ed Lee public art project
       
   5. President Ordeñana introduced the motion to extend the display of Art/Lit LIZ, a temporary public art sculpture located on Fulton Street, in front of the Asian Art Museum from June 2020 - May 2021.
      
      Commissioner Keehn described the project.  
      
      Commissioner Keehn, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the motion, as presented.
      
      There was no public comment.
      
      The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
      Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford
      
      RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-071: Motion to extend the display of Art/Lit LIZ, a temporary public art sculpture located on Fulton Street, in front of the Asian Art Museum from June 2020 - May 2021.
       
8. Consent Calendar
   President Ordeñana introduced the consent calendar items.
   
   Commissioner Ferras, seconded by Commissioner Schnair moved to approve the consent calendar items, as presented.
   
   Commission Secretary Ventre noted that she received two public comment statements via email. She read them aloud.
   
   Public Comment:
   Commission Secretary Ventre read the first public comment statement:
   
   "My name is Alan Burradell and I am a property owner within 200' of a development approved by The San Francisco Arts Commission resolution # 0107-19-018 on December 17, 2018.
   
   The San Francisco Arts Commission Phase One approval for the demolition of Harvey Milk Plaza, together with the one million dollar financial support provided by the California State Department of Recreation and Parks, various public statements, and other actions committing the City to the Harvey Milk Plaza demolition, was, for CEQA purposes, an approval of the project that was required under sections 21100 and 21151 to have been preceded by the preparation of an EIR.
   
   The San Francisco Arts Commission's approval in advance of CEQA review is a violation of the law. As a result and through this public statement, I am asking the San Francisco Arts Commission to withdraw Phase One approval for the demolition of Harvey Milk Plaza."
   
   Commission Secretary Ventre read the second public comment statement:
   
   “My name is Junglesmith, and I am a 29 year SF resident, and most of those years have been here in the Castro/ Eureka Valley area. I am fortunate to live off Castro Street, and I am serviced by the Northbound 24 Divisadero bus and the Eastbound 37 Corbett on the very block I live on. I use the Castro Metro Muni Station to get to my work which is in the Civic Center and Downtown. I am a gay, queer man and I am a cultural and environmental advocate.
   
   With that said, I would like to state that the proposed Castro Station elevator project has been underwhelming in terms of engaging the community needs and wants. This is the third round of presentations, and the drawings still INCLUDE incomplete renderings of the lowest, third terrace at the Mezzanine level (also known as Harvey MIlk Plaza). Please provide more accurate renderings. Because some gravel has lightly covered it over does not mean it does not exist. I see the whole lower "Garden Room" being wrapped around with low benches, which isn't indicated in these public presentations. I would like to see the brick walls and sidewalks restored and not replaced/resurfaced.
   
   Also, the $1 Million dollar grant from Senator Wiener and the State Department of Recreation and Parks, should be re-routed back to the community led, grassroots founded and funded, group "Lavender Lane". This organization submitted 2 Street Park applications to Public Works and SF Parks Alliance in March of 2018. There are now over 1500 wet signatures supporting the 2 sentence petition asking for the preservation of the Nation's first LGBTQ Veterans Grove and Harvey's Garden - A Watershed Garden, collectively known as "Harvey's Gardengrove at Lavender Lane". Lavender Lane is the informal name of the PROWSO adjoining the 2 street parks.
   
   The community currently enjoys this sacred shared space - it is also an important greenway connection, LGBTQ cultural site and environmental asset. 2 alternatives for Improved Accessibility not presented today: 1) Remove Curving Steps, replace with a standard staircase, flanked by 2 (covered) escalators. That is 20 feet wide, enough room to not disturb any custom planters. 2) Replace the ORIGINAL elevator with a new elevator FIRST, as the station will likely not be used for some time during CV-19.
   
   I am in favor of a new elevator near the soon-to-be-landmarked historic Rainbow Flag, but not the present time.”
   
   The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
   Ayes: Ordeñana, Stryker, Collins, Ferras, Jung, Keehn, Musleh, Schnair, Shiota, Walker, Woolford.
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-072:
   Approval: RESOLVED, that this Commission does hereby adopt the following items on the Consent Calendar and their related Resolutions:
   1. RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-073: Motion to approve the Civic Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes of March 16, 2020.
       
   2. RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-074: Motion to approve Phase 1 and 2 of Golden Gate Park Golf Course Clubhouse Project with the following contingencies 1) that there be some indication as to the furnishings and their quality at the Phase 3 meeting and 2) that there be a better description of the edging and plantings, including elevations and other descriptors, so that the Commissioners may have a better sense of the landscape.
       
   3. RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-075: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the McLaren Park Group Picnic Area Restroom Project.
       
   4. RESOLUTION NO. 0601-20-076: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Castro Station Accessibility Improvements Project.
       
9. New Business and Announcements
   President Ordeñana thanked Arts Commission staff that have served as Disaster Service Workers. He also confirmed that Committee assignments for 2020 will be sent to commissioners.
   
   Commissioner Collins congratulated the Community Investments team in moving an entire docket forward virtually. Commissioner Stryker and Commissioner Walker also praised staff.
   
   Commissioner Walker asked that a future agenda item discuss how to leverage the community as recovery efforts continue.
   
   Commissioner Shiota added feedback regarding Director’s search.
   
   Commissioner Ferras described a potential opportunity for the Arts Commission to collaborate with organizations such as Together SF, Paint the Void, and SFCDMA to work together.  
   
   Commissioner Musleh proposed an idea for crafting a message to the Commission’s constituents to help navigate them through this touch, financial crisis.
   
   Commissioner Walker asked that Commissioner Beltran present her latest project at the next meeting.
   
   Public Comment:
   Inga Bard shared the website for Paint the Void, paintthevoid.org and provided their contact info: hello@paintthevoid.org.
    
10. Adjournment
    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
     

posted 6/15/2020, 2:50 p.m. adv
approved 7/6/2020

Language Accessibility

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@sfgov.org.

我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料和口譯服務。如需協助，Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@sfgov.org

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@sfgov.org