Commission schedules May workshop, seeks open-call process for Poods Skate Park mural after debate

The Encinitas Commission for the Arts agreed April 6 to hold a special meeting in May to gather public input and advance an open-call process for a proposed mural at Poods Skate Park.

Commissioners described a multi-step approach: develop a site brief through community engagement and stakeholder interviews; issue an open call for artists to submit renderings; convene a jury made up of commissioners, an Encinitas Friends of the Arts (EFA) representative and community members to evaluate submissions using a rubric; release finalists for public feedback focused on whether designs align with the site brief (the process will not be a simple popularity vote); and then the commission would make a recommendation to City Council.

"I would love for all of the final artists to be recognized and shared and celebrated," one ad hoc lead said of the process, emphasizing outreach to the skate community and photographers who use the bowl. Staff explained finalists could give optional "artist talks" and public feedback would inform the jury and commission recommendation.

Rosemary Kimball, a frequent public commenter, urged the commission not to defer selection to public input: "putting it out to the public ... is just such a faulty idea," she told the commission, arguing the commissioners should take decision-making responsibility. Commissioners replied that the proposed process is designed to center the skate community, protect artists from hostile comment, and ensure transparent criteria and professional review.

The commission then voted to hold a special May meeting to gather input for the mural site brief; the motion passed with six yes votes and Commissioner Campbell absent. Staff will return in May with dates for the special meeting and a staff report; the commission indicated it will then vote on moving the mural recommendation forward to City Council.

Next steps: staff to propose special meeting dates in May, finalize public engagement timelines, publish the open-call materials and convene the jury process.