The city council approved its nominations for the new Santa Clarita arts commission Tuesday night. The commission will seek to expand artistic opportunities and support local arts groups and artists.
The commission’s meetings will be open to the public. Its members were chosen from a field of 16 applicants.
Councilmember Marsha McLean nominated Michael Millar, D.M.A.; Councilmember Bob Kellar nominated John Dow, president and marketing director for the Santa Clarita Symphony; Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste nominated Paul Strickland, who has an extensive background in animation; Mayor Frank Ferry nominated Sandra Fisher former president of the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association; and Councilmember Laurie Ender nominated composer Eric Schmidt.
By random selection, Ferry’s and Weste’s appointments will serve eight month terms; all other commissioners will serve for two years and eight months.
The council also took time to recognize the Circle of Friends program at Valencia High School, which encourages interaction between students in special and general education programs. Last year, 300 students participated in the program.
Also voted on was a measure approving plans for a right-turn pocket and other traffic-reducing and safety improvements to the intersection of Whites Canyon Rd. and Soledad Canyon Rd. The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and is planned to cost no more than $476,866.