Resident flags errors in reprinted public‑art brochure; commission updates materials and highlights restoration of Trimpin Sound Arch

A resident told the Ojai City Arts Commission that a recent reprint of the public‑art tour brochure contains inaccurate contact information and broken QR codes and urged the commission to recall or correct the copies.

Valerie Freeman, introduced during public comment as “from the beautiful city of Ojai,” said she found two thousand reprinted brochures that cost $764 and that the brochure still lists former staff and inactive phone numbers. Freeman said she called the number printed for tickets — “(805) 646‑5581” — and reached staff no longer with the city, adding that none of the three printed QR codes worked. Freeman told commissioners, “What’s the point of communication if the message is broken?” and asked the commission to consider recalling the brochures and clarifying how to buy docent‑led tour tickets.

Commissioners responded that staff would address the brochure errors. Commissioner Steiner said she and staff will remove or label out the docent‑led tour references (those tours have not run since 2021) and that Bridget Bridal will correct the QR codes; they described the brochures as placeholders until the city’s new website is fully populated. Chair West thanked Freeman for raising the issue and asked staff to ensure future communications are proofread prior to distribution.

Separately, commissioners reported on recent conservation work to the Trimpin Sound Arch, a prominent public sculpture at the Libbey Bowl entrance. Commissioner Steiner said a team from LA ArtsLab (conservation specialists) worked on the arch and completed cleaning, surface repairs and base infill in a single day; Commissioner Steiner said the work included assessment by a conservator with a Ph.D. and that the artist Trimpin reviewed the plan and declined to perform the maintenance himself. The commission expects to show a short interview with the conservator at the next Arts Commission meeting and said the next larger conservation project will be the Big Red Roller at the skate park.

Commissioners also discussed communications and the five‑year strategic plan. They asked staff and the mayor’s office to coordinate public messaging — including a press release timed to the Sept. 1 grants launch — and proposed regular Arts Commission reports at city council meetings to keep the broader public and council informed about public‑art maintenance and grant activity.

There were no formal votes tied directly to recalling brochures, but commissioners directed staff to correct brochure content and QR codes and to coordinate an updated communications plan.