Elizabeth has a proven track record for supporting the arts.
My track record as a supporter of the Arts is based on my belief that the arts perform two major functions for Laguna:
- At the heart of Laguna is our heritage as an art colony. The Arts serves to bring the community together in ways that other issues cannot. The Arts cut across political philosophies and demographic categories, and is something that the entire community can and WILL get behind.
- The Arts are a major contributor to our economy. The Arts help to attract millions of dollars in sales and bed tax revenues for our community.
In being an advocate for the Arts, I can say that I stand as a candidate not only as one who says they "will support the Arts," but as one who can say that I HAVE ALREADY PROVEN that I am a friend of the Arts. Here's how I have contributed in the past:
- I served on the first Board of Directors of the Laguna Art Museum after the take-over attempt by Newport Harbor Art Museum.
- I served for several years, thereafter, on the Advisory Board of the Art Museum.
- I introduced the founders of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association to the Laguna Art Museum. As a result of my friendships with Saim Caglayan and John Cosby and the Museum, that introduction resulted in an alliance of the two groups that has resulted in and a greater awareness (and appreciation) of today's Laguna Plein Air artists.
- I helped the Festival of the Arts secure funding to fight the move to San Clemente. The first funds for the Committee to Keep the Festival in Laguna Beach were raised at my house, and I assisted the Committee with the main fund-raising event in 2000.
- I worked with the Committee the Keep the Festival in Laguna Beach BEFORE the recall to develop their initial concept plan which was approved by the City earlier this year.
- I supported the bed tax increase for our arts venues and lobbied behind the scenes for the passage of the assessment.
- I worked with Rick Stein from the Playhouse and Kathleen Spalione of the Visitor's Bureau to push for additional parking in the downtown as part of the Village Entrance Task Force.
- I encouraged and voted, as a Planning Commissioner, for the expansion of the length of time the Sawdust Festival is open each year.
I will continue to support the Arts by:
- Being "the" City Council "champion for the Arts." I feel that my experience and track record makes me the best person for this role.
- Providing an "ear" to the artists and arts venues #and serving as the Council's voice for their needs and concerns.
- Making the Arts a higher priority for the City # creating staff support for many of the functions required to promote and support our Arts venues and related activities.
- Ensuring that the bed tax assessment for our Arts venues continues.
- Fighting for as much additional parking in the downtown as can possibly be added.
- Supporting the marketing of Laguna Beach as an "Arts Colony" throughout the world.
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