San Leandro Arts, Culture & Library Commission Meeting – June 10, 2026

Note: The transcript provided for this meeting indicates it took place on May 19, 2026, not the June 10, 2026 date listed in the instruction. The following summary is based on the May 19 transcript content.

The Arts, Culture & Library Commission of San Leandro met to discuss budget updates, social media strategy, and ongoing committee projects. The meeting included a staff report on library budget developments, a presentation on a potential commission social media presence, and updates from subcommittees on Game of Shrooms, a poetry contest, a library bike tour, and more. The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 21, 2026: Approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Scotland, seconded without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Social Media Strategy for the Commission: Commissioners discussed the possibility of revitalizing or sunsetting an old Instagram account (@SLArtsComm). Staff will first consult the city manager’s office to determine if independent commission social media accounts are permitted. If allowed, a plan to increase visibility could be developed; if not, the account may be closed to avoid confusion. Commissioner Velasquez (via proxy comments) noted potential workarounds such as a “Friends of” group, but no formal action was taken.

Library Services Staff Report

• Budget Update (Fiscal Year 2027): Staff reported that after City Council direction to fund the FY27 arts & culture grants program, an additional $30,000 was approved by Council on May 4, 2026. This eliminates the need to cancel the planned 2026 comedy show or carry over other funds. Remaining 2026 arts funds will be used to purchase new display cases (replacing old, unsecured ones) and to secure three curated exhibits: Take Me to the Water (maritime life and people of color), Chinese Pioneers, and Buffalo Soldiers. These exhibits will be displayed in the library atrium.
• Susan Hughes’ Arts Spaces Inventory: Susan Hughes is compiling a list of city-owned indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for temporary or permanent art installations. The inventory, including photos, is expected by end of July 2026. She is also working with an Oakland art collective to identify artists for future exhibits.
• One Percent for Arts Policy: Staff noted that the policy idea is still under review by the Community Development Department, and no new momentum was reported since the budget process.

Commission Reports & Updates

• Grants Committee: No formal report this month; staff will collate prior cycle reports for a future presentation.
• Game of Shrooms Committee (2026): An art-making session on May 30 at the library produced over 50 pieces, of which about 40 are hideable. The main event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at 9:45 a.m. at the Main Library, featuring a talk on foraging and mushrooms with a truffle dog on May 26 at Manor Branch. Special guests include the mayor and the founder of Game of Shrooms.
• Latinx Youth Writing Workshop Committee: On hold; originator Rosa is reassessing her capacity to lead the project.
• Library Bike Tour Committee: A single-day group ride connecting all library branches is planned for May or June 2027 (avoiding conflict with Game of Shrooms). The route is approximately 8 miles and aims to promote bicycle safety and library awareness. Committee is seeking collaborators and sponsors.
• Poetry Contest (Proposed): Commissioners Scotland and Ridgedale presented a concept for a juried poetry exhibition (not a contest), possibly multilingual, culminating in a reading at the library and a zine or literary magazine. Timing is still being considered, with fall a potential season to avoid overlap with spring grants and summer breaks.

Commissioner Comments & Announcements

• Commissioner Acevedo noted that a “Taste of Asia” restaurant week promotion in San Leandro went largely unnoticed; suggested the commission could help promote culinary culture in the future.
• Commissioner Scotland proposed adding a future agenda item to discuss how to better emphasize the “culture” component of the commission’s mandate.
• Free Mandarin classes at the Manor Branch library were highlighted as a cultural program.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (minutes of April 21, 2026).
• Staff directed to check with city manager’s office regarding commission social media policy.
• Subcommittees will continue planning: Game of Shrooms event proceeds as scheduled; bike tour and poetry contest to be refined with sponsorship wish lists; grants committee report deferred.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. (Pacific) on May 19, 2026.