San Leandro Culture & Library Commission Meeting - October 21, 2025

The San Leandro Culture and Library Commission met on October 21, 2025, at 6:41 PM and adjourned at 7:42 PM. A quorum of five commissioners was present. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, staff reports on attendance requirements, public comments, a presentation on the San Leandro Art Walk augmented reality project, and a discussion on expanding art gallery spaces in city facilities.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 16, 2025: Approved by unanimous vote (motion carried).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A community member proposed reviving the original Arts Commission concept for the Hispanic Triangle, suggesting it become a sculpture garden as a welcoming gateway to the city.
• The same speaker recommended screening the documentary The Apology about Russell City at the San Leandro theater, noting it was previously shown at the Bowl Theater but deserves a new screening.

Discussion Items

• Library Staff Report & Announcements: Library staff announced the resignation of Commissioner Cassidy, appointed at large by the mayor, and the need for a new nominee. The attendance requirement of 75% was reiterated; failure to meet it or missing three consecutive meetings may lead to removal. Staff will contact each commissioner individually about their attendance record.
• San Leandro Art Walk Presentation: Katie Bowman (Economic Development Manager) and team from 440 Creates presented an augmented reality (AR) art walk in four downtown breezeways. The project uses AR murals triggered by a smartphone app, designed to attract a younger demographic (mid-20s to late 30s). Four murals were shown: 'The Heart' (cultural heritage), 'The Dip' (industrial/natural blend), 'The Beginning' (old vs. new San Leandro), and a whimsical piece with a Jack-in-the-Box theme. The murals are 4x8 feet, with a 10-foot viewing runway. The contract includes a subscription fee and a per-scan cost (approximately half a penny per scan), with a budget for 10,000 scans over six months. The goal is to launch before 'It's a Wonderful Night' in early December 2025. The backend animation can be updated seasonally.
• Action Item 7a: Quality of Life Priority – Expand Utilization of Art Gallery Spaces: Susan Hughes (Adult Services Librarian) presented three deliverables under City Council Priority 3 (Arts Initiative): (1) identify city facilities that can function as gallery spaces, (2) identify local agencies and artists to submit exhibits, and (3) facilitate public art receptions. Deliverables have deadlines through July 2026. She asked the commission for input on desired art mediums, potential local artists, and possible future funding from the commission. Commissioners suggested diverse mediums (3D sculptures, fiber arts, performing arts like music and dance, poetry), youth involvement (K-12), and use of existing resources like plywood art from the Black Lives Matter movement. The commission expressed support and offered to help with artist outreach and potential grant funding.

Key Outcomes

• Arts Endowment Committee: The committee reported no meetings and was effectively disbanded, with future attention focused on the 1% for arts development initiative before the City Council's rules committee. Commissioners will be alerted to submit public comments in favor.
• Grants Committee Report: The committee met to revise the arts and culture grant program for its third year. Changes include: reducing the maximum grant from two tiers ($5,000 individuals, $10,000 organizations) to a flat $5,000 for all applicants due to a $30,000 allocation; simplifying applications with a glossary and clearer instructions; and offering guidelines in Spanish and Chinese upon request, with applications required in English. The timeline for the next grant cycle is approximately February 2026.
• Future Agenda Item: A commissioner proposed a brainstorming session on no-cost or low-cost arts, culture, and library projects. Staff agreed to agendize this for a future meeting to generate ideas from both commissioners and the public.