Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026
Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026
The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission (ACCEC) met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:02 PM at City Hall Council Chamber, adjourning at 2:41 PM. The commission approved consent items, discussed the Race and Cultural Equity Statement and formed an ad hoc committee, unanimously recommended approval of a temporary public art mural at Lawrence Park, and began a discussion on the Cesar Chavez Plaza renaming process and implications for the sculpture. Nine commissioners were present; Commissioners Nkiruka Ohaegbu arrived at 1:06 PM and Wellington Smith at 1:11 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of May 11, 2026 Meeting Minutes (File ID: 2026-00111): Passed unanimously (7-0, with Commissioners Ohaegbu and Smith absent).
- Adoption of ACCEC Follow-Up Log (File ID: 2026-00205): Passed unanimously on the same motion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Race and Cultural Equity Statement: Lambert, a community member, criticized the six-year-old statement, arguing that prolonged study without action shows a lack of accountability. He cited city workforce equity issues as an example of unfulfilled promises.
- Lawrence Park Mural: Lambert voiced strong support for applicant Brenyanna Gaulman, but expressed concern that she might incur debt for the project, urging the city to fully fund her work and noting potential demolition of the restroom building.
- Cesar Chavez Plaza: Lambert recommended that the farm workers and their families, including Dolores Huerta and Filipino leaders, should lead the renaming decision. Jennifer Andrea Porras, a survivor of sexual assault by Cesar Chavez, requested that victims be included in future discussions and given opportunities for testimony.
- Matters Not on the Agenda: Lambert announced his upcoming departure from regular attendance due to business success. Allison, executive director of Friends of Sacramento Arts, urged the commission to support state funding for the California Arts Council and encouraged public outreach to state legislators.
Discussion Items
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Race and Cultural Equity Statement (Continued): Commissioner Steven Winlock proposed forming an ad hoc committee to assess progress on the 2020 statement, focusing on accountability and data collection. Commissioners supported reviewing grant equity and community engagement. Chair Luisa Lavulo created the ad hoc committee with a term through December 2026, appointing Commissioners Jeff Eisenberg, Walker Hershey, Rosa Maria Orozco, Wellington Smith, and Steven Winlock. The committee will present a report by December; its scope and responsibilities will be outlined in August.
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Phase 2 Review – Temporary Public Art at Lawrence Park: Staff presented Brenyanna Gaulman’s mural design, which will transform the park restroom building with community-inspired imagery, including a vintage postcard theme, Marshallese cultural elements, and activities like community paint day (August 15). The project has strong neighborhood support (86.7% satisfaction in survey) and received an economic development grant for cultural activity on Stockton Boulevard. The commission heard Gaulman’s testimony and praised her perseverance. A motion by Commissioner Eisenberg, seconded by Commissioner Smith, passed unanimously (9-0) to recommend approval of the design and license agreement.
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Cesar Chavez Plaza Renaming Process & Art Implications: Jason Jong and Donald Gensler briefed the commission on the city’s renaming process, led by Parks and Community Engagement, with a survey launching June 12 to July 24. The sculpture by Lisa Reinerston primarily depicts Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers movement. Gensler outlined options: leave the sculpture with interpretive signs, redesign it to remove Chavez’s figure, remove it entirely, or deaccession. Commissioners expressed varying views: some favored redesign to avoid honoring Chavez given allegations, others cautioned against erasing history, and a third group emphasized inclusive community engagement and repair. The commission will continue discussion after the park renaming process concludes in late 2026.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7 yes, 2 absent).
- Race and Cultural Equity Ad Hoc Committee: Created; members appointed (Eisenberg, Hershey, Orozco, Smith, Winlock); term through December 2026; report due in December.
- Lawrence Park Mural: Recommended for approval (9-0); license agreement to be executed; completion expected by October 2026.
- Cesar Chavez Plaza: Recessed discussion; commission to revisit after city’s park renaming survey and analysis (survey open June 12–July 24, council decision expected October–November).
- Director’s Report: Upcoming workshops for “Birds and Benches” project and exhibition “Liquid Memories” at Matsui Gallery (through September 24).
- Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Carter to pursue a citywide art summit template; Commissioner Ohaegbu invited all to District 3 Juneteenth event on June 19.
Meeting Transcript
Chair staff is ready when you are. Good afternoon, and welcome to Monday, June 8th, 2026, 1 p.m. meeting of the Arts Culture and Creative Economy Commission. The meeting is now called to order. Will the clerk please call the roll to establish a quorum? Thank you, Chair. Commissioners, please unmute for roll call. Commissioner Carter. Present. Commissioner Eisenberg. Commissioner Hershey. Commissioner Ohabu is absent. Commissioner Orozco here. Commissioner Smith is absent. Commissioner Wallace. Here. Commissioner Winlock. Here. And Chair Lavulo. Here. Thank you. We have quorum. Thank you. I would like to remind members of the public in chambers that if you'd like to speak on an agenda item, please turn in a speaker slip before the item begins. After the item is called, we will no longer accept speaker slips. You will have two minutes to speak once you are called on. We will now proceed with today's agenda. Commissioner Eisenberg. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty, and justice for all. Next is the approval of the consent calendar. Clerk, are there any members of the public who wish to speak on the consent calendar? Thank you, Chair. We have no speakers for this item. Are there any commissioners who wish to speak speak on this item or any of these items in the discussion calendar? Looks like it. No. Is there a motion and a second for the consent calendar? Motion. Commissioner Carter. Sorry. Commissioner Wallace. Did you did you want to comment? No. No, I was just going to move. Perfect. Thank you. So we've got a first from Commissioner Carter and a second from Commissioner Wallace. All in favor, say aye. Aye.
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