2025-05-27 Arts and Cultural Advisory SPC Joint MinutesSPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES OF THE EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE & DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Pickhaver called the meeting to order at 5.30
pm
ROLL CALL
Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
Chairperson Pickhaver -
Present
Vice Chairperson Palmer -
Present
Member Bart -
Absent
Member Burrell -
Present
Member Carroll -
Present
Member Haffley -
Present
Member Kennedy -
Present
Member Leach -
Present
Member Losasso -
Present
Member Mitchell -
Present
Member Schepps -
Present
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Chairperson Villena -
Present
Vice Chairperson O'Brien -
Present
Member Atmore -
Present
Member Gebhart -
Absent
Member Green -
Present
Member Janicek -
Absent
Member Mitrovich -
Absent
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS — (Related to City Business Only — 5-minute limit
per person, 30-minute limit total)
Georgette Gantner, a representative from Redondo Beach, stated she was
attending the meeting to take notes on behalf of their Cultural Arts Commission.
Barbara Raymond, a resident of El Segundo, shared she had recently met with
Member Haffley to discuss various ideas related to her work in nonprofits,
philanthropy, and development.
Jerry Esenor, a resident of El Segundo, introduced himself to the committees and
noted that he attended the meeting alongside Barbara Raymond.
Ron Swanson, a resident of El Segundo, provided public comment expressing
concern that the city has strayed from the traditional spirit of the Festival of
Holidays and would like to see the event return to its original roots.
SPECIAL JOINT ACC AND DEI COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MAY 27, 2025
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1. Introduction of DEI and ACC Committee Members (Item moved before Public
Communications)
Members of the DEI and ACC Committees briefly introduced themselves to
one another.
2. Festival of Holidays
DEI Chairperson Villena spoke about the origins of Festival of Holidays. ACC
Chairperson Pickhaver shared his experiences from last year's event. DEI
Vice Chairperson O'Brien noted that the event highlights the diverse traditions
celebrated by different families in the community. The committees
emphasized the importance of logistics, particularly in coordinating with
council member's schedules. Director of Recreation, Parks, and Library Aly
Mancini proposed the creation of a working group to support planning efforts
for the Festival of Holidays.
MOTION by DEI Chairperson Villena SECONDED by ACC Chairperson
Pickhaver, approving the establishment of a working group for planning the
Festival of Holidays, composed of DEI Chairperson Villena, DEI Vice
Chairperson O'Brien, and ACC Chairperson Pickhaver, MOTION PASSED.
14/0
3. GUNDO Pride Event
ACC Chairperson Pickhaver announced the upcoming GUNDO Pride Event
scheduled for Sunday, June 29, from 10 am to 2pm at Recreation Park. He
mentioned that the event organizers are actively seeking volunteers. Member
Schepss inquired about the event's promotional efforts. Director Mancini and
ACC Chairperson Pickhaver provided additional information.
4. United Against Hate Week
DEI Chairperson Villena introduced United Against Hate Week, which will
take place during the week of October 19. The committee plans to collaborate
with South Bay Coalition Against Hate to support the initiative. DEI Member
Green suggested that the event could be shaped into a more celebratory and
family -oriented experience to encourage broader community participation.
5. Potential Collaborations of DEI and ACC
DEI Vice Chairperson O'Brien suggested community programming as a
potential collaboration. ACC Member Schepps inquired whether funding could
be allocated for dance performances. Director Mancini provided additional
information.
SPECIAL JOINT ACC AND DEI COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MAY 27, 2025
PAGE 2
DEI Chairperson Villena announced that the city will not be hosting a
Juneteenth event this year but expressed interest in bringing it back next year
as a potential collaboration. ACC Chairperson Pickhaver stated that the
library will feature a Juneteenth book display in recognition of the holiday.
Adjourned at 6:30 PM
Viviann Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Specialist
SPECIAL JOINT ACC AND DEI COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MAY 27, 2025
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