A Lightning Rod Cloaked in Mystery
A native of New York City, Mr. Fulwood has come under fire periodically at City Hall during his first three years in Culver City. City Councilman Carol Gross has been Mr. Fulwood’s most outspoken critic, starting days after he assumed the position. Her critiques have followed a straight line directly into this week. Mr. Fulwood’s understated public profile and his highly economic dispensation of words in public normally would have minimized, if not entirely discouraged, criticism of him. The intensity of the criticism of Mr. Fulwood, combined with the minimum of even potentially offensive public utterances, add a dimension of mystery to the matter of Mr. Fulwood’s status. With a fresh three-year contract riding in his hip pocket, however, Mr. Fulwood officially becomes Culver City’s first City Manager as of July 1.
Anything to Argue About?
Separately, the Committee Chair Mr. Weissman wonders why there is a flap. “The 10 members of the Committee agreed unanimously to change from a CAO form of governing to City Manager,” he said. “This decision was simple and clear. It was not contentious. The primary reasons for the change were to increase efficiency and accountability. To tell you the truth, we had greater differences over the wording of the Preamble to the Charter and whether to include city commissions.”
Artists on Display for a Month
By Frederik Sisa
The Whole Foods Market in Woodlands Hills recently put into action a community-oriented program whereby regional artists are given an opportunity to display their work. Launched with a reception, artworks are put on display for customers to enjoy and, perhaps, to purchase. On Saturday, June 10, I happily had the opportunity to share in the reception for Melisa Sharpe, whose fine art photographs will be on display for the coming month.
The location was a small, enclosed outdoor patio where sunlight poured in from large windows. A mural painted in a breezy, Italian style provided an element of ornamentation that enhanced the space without dominating it. It was a wonderful venue for a reception that featured a dozen easels, each holding a beautiful black and white photograph, and a table with fine cheeses, fruits and nuts for guests to enjoy. All told, dozens of people showed up — friends, family, co-workers, Whole Foods shoppers and staff — to enjoy images of places such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, New York and Puerto Rico.
Influenced by her work as an architect and showcasing an eye for detail, Melisa’s photography embodies a commitment to traditional film photography in an age moving toward digital cameras. But you don’t have to take my word that she is talented. Three of her photographs were recently on display at Santa Monica College’s Student Exhibition. You can also see some of her work at her website www.silverleavesphoto.com . You are welcome to visit the Whole Foods store, at 21347 Ventura Blvd. in the west Valley.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Sisa and Ms. Sharpe are husband and wife.