Article Summary #10

Los Angeles spares city arts funding

This article was about the City Council of Los Angeles declining a proposal that would get rid of city funding for the arts. This decision was made after listening to several pleas against it in a public hearing about eliminating government services and jobs. The City Council also dismissed the proposal to eliminate the $4 million arts grants program, suggested by City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana. Santana has also made some other recommendations such as shifting operations that currently have 9 or 10 community center to instead have private nonprofit organizations. The Department of Cultural Affairs executive director, Olga Garay, is also pursuing one of Santana's suggestions by finding at least $500,000 in savings in her budget for arts programs.
The idea of getting rid of funding for the arts has been a big concern for arts advocates. Six council members made repeal for the guaranteed arts funding; however, it never came before the council, and instead they all decided it should be "received and filed." This truly means it was trashed. The repeal was well thought out, but people are desperate for answers. Many advocates have spoken and ridiculed the city for claiming to be the capital city for entertainment and culture, yet they want to eliminate funding for it. While other advocates have talked about how beneficial the arts can be to society economically and educationally.

Boehm, Mike. "Los Angeles spares city arts funding." The Los Angeles Times. 4 Feb. 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2010. www.latimes.com