Mon, Jun 8, 2026·Sacramento, California·Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission

Arts Culture and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026

Discussion Breakdown

Arts And Culture51%
Miscellaneous31%
Procedural7%
Community Engagement6%
Economic Development3%
Performance Management2%

Summary

Arts Culture and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - June 8, 2026

The Commission convened to discuss the Race and Cultural Equity Statement, review Phase Two of a temporary public art mural at Lawrence Park, and consider the renaming of Cesar Chavez Plaza Park and its implications for the sculpture located there. The meeting included public testimony on equity accountability, support for the mural, and diverse perspectives on handling the Cesar Chavez legacy.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent calendar was approved unanimously without discussion or public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lambert (community member): Expressed frustration with the slow pace of accountability for the Race and Cultural Equity Statement, noting that six years of study without clear results is too long. He cited workforce equity issues at City Hall and urged the commission to produce tangible outcomes rather than further study.
  • Lambert (on the Lawrence Park mural): Praised artist Brynjana Gallman�e2�80�99s persistence and community involvement, but objected to requiring her to pay costs out of pocket, arguing she should not go into debt for a project on a building that may be demolished. He urged the city to fully fund the project.
  • Lambert (on Cesar Chavez Plaza renaming): Advocated that the farm worker community, particularly figures like Dolores Huerta and Filipino workers, should lead the decision-making, rather than outsiders.
  • Allison (Executive Director, Friends of Sacramento Arts): Encouraged the commission to support state-level arts funding, specifically a $50 million request for the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, and urged calls to assembly members and state senators to increase per capita arts funding.
  • Jennifer Porras (survivor of Cesar Chavez�e2�80�99s sexual assault): Testified as a survivor who was assaulted by Cesar Chavez as a teenager, and asked the commission to include the voices of victims and survivors in any decisions about the statue or park renaming. She emphasized that survivors can contribute to healing and prevention.

Discussion Items

  • Race and Cultural Equity Statement Review and Ad Hoc Committee Formation: Commissioner Winlock led a discussion on the statement adopted in June 2020. Commissioners Wallace, Orozco, and others expressed a desire to measure progress and accountability. Commissioner Wallace asked for data on how the statement has been implemented, and proposed ongoing community dialogue. Commissioner Winlock proposed forming an ad hoc committee to review accomplishments and identify gaps over a six-month period. After discussion and advice from the city attorney, the chair formed an ad hoc committee with five volunteer commissioners: Winlock, Smith, Eisenberg, Orozco, and one additional volunteer (who joined during the meeting). The committee will deliver a report by December 2026, with an introductory presentation in August. A public commenter criticized the timeline as too lengthy.
  • Phase Two Presentation �e2�80�93 Lawrence Park Mural (Brynjana Gallman): Artist Brynjana Gallman presented her community-driven mural design for the restroom building at Lawrence Park. The design incorporates vintage postcard elements, Marshallese cultural symbols, and scenes of park life. The project includes a community paint day on August 15, 2026. Staff reported that Gallman also received a grant from the city�e2�80�99s Economic Development Department for cultural activity on Stockton Boulevard. Commissioners praised the project�e2�80�99s community engagement and voted to approve Phase Two, which includes the license agreement. Public commenter Lambert reiterated concern about artist debt.
  • Cesar Chavez Plaza Park Renaming and Sculpture Implications: Staff provided background on the parks department�e2�80�99s public engagement process for renaming the park. Donald Gensler reviewed options for the existing sculpture of Cesar Chavez by Lisa Reinerston: remove entirely, leave with interpretive signage, or redesign to remove Chavez�e2�80�99s figure. Commissioners expressed a range of views: Commissioner Winlock favored removing Chavez�e2�80�99s image; Commissioner O�e2�80�99Hable agreed; Commissioner Eisenberg argued for keeping him as part of history but not as the main focus; Commissioner Carter emphasized learning from other cities�e2�80�99 approaches and considering reparative justice. No action was taken; the item will return for further discussion after the park renaming process concludes.

Key Outcomes

  • The consent calendar was approved unanimously.
  • The Phase Two application for the Lawrence Park mural (design and license agreement) was approved unanimously, allowing the project to move forward.
  • An ad hoc committee was formed to evaluate implementation of the Race and Cultural Equity Statement, with members: Commissioners Winlock, Smith, Eisenberg, Orozco, and a fifth volunteer. The committee will report by December 2026.
  • No decision was made regarding the Cesar Chavez sculpture; the commission will continue to deliberate and provide a recommendation to City Council after the park renaming process is complete.

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.