haddix's blog

Hello fellow Modestans!

I want to begin by thanking gregwords, Motown Mojo, and Megan for posting comments to my premiere blog. Your interest, questions, and offers of support to the Culture Commission represent the care and involvement that I have come to characterize with the nature of Modesto: this city is one of the more fun places I have lived but more importantly, it is home to an extraordinary group of people who love this city and want to do, know, and be involved in its success. Thank you, you make up the soul of this city which, in turn, makes it so easy and fun to call this place home...

Okay, moving on! First things first - let's answer some questions!

1. gregwords asked: Does the Culture Commission only meet on Mondays at 4:00 PM?

Answer: YES. And I imagine the schedule was set a long time ago. However, I will find out what the deal is with that. We do tape record our meetings. Perhaps we could (eventually) podcast the meetings? Also, we distribute agendas for upcoming meetings and minutes from previous meetings. I will find out where those are archived and how to (eventually) get them on the web.

I encourage anyone who has interest in the cultural arts, festivals, music, literature, or any other cultural activities to come by our meetings and tell the Commission their vision, thoughts, or ideas about the cultural activities of our city. We meet the fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m. at McHenry Museum. Just come on it, we're just to the right of foyer - you can't miss us!

And thank you Greg. Your "Off The Air" live shows at Fat Cat are a highlight of the downtown music scene and you deserve, in my opinion, recognition for being a substantial part of the success of the downtown renovation. As Chairman of the Culture Commission, thank you for providing a valuable service, at very cool venue, for our very talented local musicians.

2. Motown Mojo: Your interest and excitement are paramount to spreading the word. It is important that the word about the Culture Commission is spread far and wide. Why? Because the Commission is responsible for advising the City Council not just on art, literature, music, and other cultural activities but for other things as well. What are those "other things?"

Well, we have the power and the duty to promote the preservation of historic sites, landmarks, documents, paintings and other objects associated with the history of the City and its area, and develop educational interest in all such historical matters. If you are a history buff and want a voice in promoting the historical significance of this city, please contact the Commission and let us know!

Also, we act in an advisory capacity to the Council, City Manager and Director of any Museum or Cultural Center that may be established by the Council. That includes, among other things, Maddux Youth Center, the King-Kennedy Center, and the museum.

What is so cool about that is that one evening I may have the opportunity to attend a performance by Central West Ballet and the next evening find myself watching some incredible break-dancers at Maddux Youth Center.

The point is, the term "cultural activities" embraces a large variety of events. Which is great because our city is diverse and the available cultural activities it offers is a reflection of that diversity.

I believe it is my to seek out, attend, encourage, promote, and report back what I see out there. I can only do that if I know what is happening. Therefore, I encourage Modestans to contact the Commission and let us know what is happening. Right now, I have look to several sources for events, including Modesto Famous. If you know of an event and send the Commission information about it, who knows, a Commissioner might just show up!

3. Megan: Thank you for the generous tip regarding the website. Please consider coming by the Commission's meetings and informing us of the possibilities of extending the reach of our message through an online presence. The more people our message reaches, the better Modesto is - plain and simple. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you and discuss any ideas you may have.

So that's it for now. I continue to encourage as many of you this message reaches to get involved in any civic opportunity that interests you. It's easy! It's fun! It impresses your friends! (Ok, maybe not, but it impresses that teacher who never thought you were listening!) And it does one more thing, it feels good to know that your decision matters.

Modesto - it's our town...

Kind regards,

Brian S. Haddix
Chairman, City of Modesto Culture Commission

Well Hello fellow Modestans!

Having recently been turned on to Modesto Famous, I felt it appropriate I bring my message concerning the City of Modesto's Culture Commission to this space. And who am I? My name is Brian Haddix and I am the Chairman of the City of Modesto's Culture Commission.

Culture Commission? In Modesto? What is that? I know, I know, many people are not aware of the fact that Modesto has an established Culture Commission and, as Chairman of the Commission, it's my mission to get that message out.

So what exactly is the Culture Commission? Article XI, Section 1110 of the Charter of the City of Modesto (http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/council/charter/default.asp) provides that "there shall be a Culture Commission consisting of seven (7) members, five (5) of whom shall be registered electors of the City, and two (2) of whom shall live outside the City but shall be registered electors of Stanislaus County."

Among other things, the Commission has the power and duty to "act in an advisory capacity to the Council and the City Manager in all matters pertaining to art, literature, music and other cultural activities."

So what does that mean? It means we have the power and the duty to get in front of the Council and tell what we think about Culture in this city. And, for the most part, they listen. So what does that mean to you?

Well, first off, we are your mouthpiece. We are your advocates. The Commission meets the last Monday of every month at 4:00 p.m. at the McHenry Museum. The meeting is a public forum in which we discuss issues pertaining to art, literature, music, and other cultural activities. It is a place to speak your views about what this city needs, should be, and can be.

We also have money in the form of grants to local organizations involved in cultural activities - $60,000 this year and I hope to get more next year. Also, we hope to create a website soon so it is easier to apply for the money and also to get other information about the city's cultural activities out to the public.

Can we make it better? Of course! And that's why I want to get my message out - I need your input. I want to know your views because I am committed to giving those artists, poets, actors, and festival-throwers as well as every citizen in our community a louder, stronger voice in the cultural direction of this fine city.

Finally, I encourage anyone interested in shaping the future of this city to get involved - it doesn't take much time and the service you can provide is invaluable. If you care, join a commission or a forum or a group! (http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/council/cag/)

I want to hear from you! Write me, e-mail me, or catch me downtown sometime because I'm usually out taking in the many cultural events the city has to offer. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas.

Brian Haddix
Chairman, City of Modesto Culture Commission