2025-08-26 Arts and Cultural Advisory MinutesREGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Pickhaver called the meeting to order at 5:33
pm
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Pickhaver -
Present
Vice Chairperson Palmer -
Present
Member Bart -
Present
Member Burrell -
Present
Member Carroll -
Present
Member Haffley -
Present
Member Kennedy -
Absent
Member Leach -
Present
Member Losasso -
Present
Member Mitchell -
Present
Member Schepps -
Present
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS — (Related to City Business Only — 5-minute limit
per person, 30-minute limit total)
None
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. MOTION by Vice Chairperson Palmer, SECONDED by Member Losasso,
approving Regular Meeting minutes of July 22, 2025, MOTION PASSED.
10/0
B. NEW BUSINESS
2. El Segundo Blue Butterfly Children's Book Funding Request
El Segundo High School students Cara King and Sarah Spraggins presented
the El Segundo Blue Butterfly Children's Book Funding Request. Committee
members asked questions regarding where the books would be stored, where
the proceeds from book sales would go, whether any printing discounts had
been secured, the inspiration behind the project, whether the grant application
had been completed and submitted, how soon the books would go on sale
once funding is granted, who would retain copyright ownership, and whether
a book launch was planned. Member Schepps inquired about the book's
promotion after they graduate, given that both are seniors. Cara and Sarah
provided additional information.
Member Haffley recommended that Cara and Sarah return at the next
meeting with the completed grant application. While the committee expressed
full support for the project, further review is required before moving forward.
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 26, 2025
PAGE 1
3. El Segundo Film Festival
This item was tabled for a future meeting due to the absence of the El
Segundo Film Festival representative.
4. United Against Hate Week Presentation (Moved before Item 82)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Member Green spoke in
regard to United Against Hate Week. Committee members asked whether
there were any community sponsors involved, if local food businesses had
been approached, and who else might be collaborating on the event. DEI
Member Green provided additional information.
Chairperson Pickhaver expressed interest in working with the DEI Committee
but noted that a joint meeting is not allowed, however he offered to form a
working group. He also suggested that Member Green attend the next
meeting to discuss potential funding. Council Member Keldorf clarified that
while the committee can sponsor artistic components of the event, it would be
a challenge to fund food -related expenses. She also recommended reaching
out to the Rotary Club and Kiwanis for financial support and promotional
assistance. Member Losasso suggested contacting local real estate agent Bill
Ruane who could be a valuable resource for both funding and community
connections.
5. Art Walk Reception Funding Request
Chairperson Pickhaver spoke regarding the Art Walk Reception Funding
Request noting that the Art Walk team had requested a reimbursement of up
to $1,300.00 for food expenses related of the kickoff event. Member Bart
questioned why the committee should cover the cost rather than the Art Walk
organizers. Chairperson Pickhaver provided additional information.
MOTION by Member Schepps, SECONDED by Vice Chairperson Palmer, to
approve the Art Walk Reception Funding Request, MOTION PASSED. 7/2.
Nays: Member Bart and Member Losasso. Member Carroll abstained from
the vote as he did not attend the kickoff event.
Member Burrell emphasized the need for clearer communication regarding
such events in the future to avoid any misunderstandings. Several committee
members added that they encountered issues when attempting to RSVP.
6. Art Walk Discussion
Committee members shared their observations and experiences from the Art
Walk, raising concerns with the augmented reality (AR) art component. Vice
Chairperson Palmer offered a different perspective stating that she observed
many attendees engaging with the AR art. She also noted that Art Walk
Director John McCullough is expected to present engagement data at an
upcoming meeting.
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 26, 2025
PAGE 2
Member Losasso commented that while the event was enjoyable, there were
some logistical issues. Council Member Keldorf added that Director
McCullough expressed interest in establishing a long-term contract as it
would allow to discuss planning earlier in the year.
7. Plunge Mosaic Art Update
Chairperson Pickhaver provided the Plunge Mosaic Art Update on behalf of
Director of Recreation, Parks, and Library Aly Mancini. He shared that the
City Council had approved the proposed design.
I M049MR, .77UMM►TAMS,
Chairperson Pickhaver provided an update on the Recreation Park Mural on
behalf of Director Mancini. He shared that the project is currently on hold
pending the hiring of a Cultural Arts Coordinator. Member Schepps inquired
about the anticipated timeline. Chairperson Pickhaver provided additional
information.
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. Staffing Update
Chairperson Pickhaver provided the staffing update on behalf of Director
Mancini noting that interviews are being conducted this week.
D. REPORTS — BUDGET & INITIATIVE COMMITTEE
None
E. REPORTS - SUBCOMMITTEES
Member Schepps reported that the El Segundo Music Festival Subcommittee is
currently on hold pending the hiring of a Cultural Arts Coordinator.
Chairperson Pickhaver noted that the Grants Review Subcommittee will review
the funding request for the El Segundo Blue Butterfly Book once the application
has been submitted.
Chairperson Pickhaver announced that the Park Renovation Subcommittee
meeting scheduled for August 28t" has been cancelled.
F. REPORTS — RECREATIONS, PARKS, AND LIBRARY DIRECTOR
None
Ce�Vall go] :4&WIZ0]►TAIt•IIaIall a►VAIall ►VA1:3all :�14
Member Burrell recommended rescheduling the November and December
meetings as the current dates fall close to the holidays.
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 26, 2025
PAGE 3
Member Carroll announced that he will be unable to attend next month's meeting
as it coincides with the first day of Rosh Hashanah. He also suggested including
standing items on future agendas to allow for ongoing discussion of key topics
without unnecessary delays.
Member Haffley invited committee members to attend the upcoming breakfast
and panel discussion, "Creative Economy - El Segundo and Beyond", presented
by Mattel and El Segundo Chamber, scheduled for Friday, September 19' from
8.30 to 10.30 am at the Mattel Global Headquarters.
Member Schepps shared that the Special Events Ad Hoc Committee is offering
grants to cities for murals that celebrate their connections to the Olympics and
themed around the upcoming Olympic Games.
Chairperson Pickhaver reported that the City Council emphasized that joint
meetings should not be held. He also expressed a desire to find an efficient way
to collaborate with the DEI.
H. REPORTS — COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Council Member Keldorf reported that Olympic groups are scheduled to tour the
Aquatics Center as they have expressed interest in using it for practice. She also
noted that the Saari medals will not be displayed at the Plunge. Additionally, she
suggested that placing DEI-related items on the agenda is a more efficient
approach than holding a joint meeting with the DEI committee.
Adjourned at 6:56 PM
Viviann Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Specialist
EL SEGUNDO ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 26, 2025
PAGE 4