THOUSAND OAKS : Members to Be Chosen for Arts Commission

His grandfather was a craftsman and his mother was a teacher--and now, Thousand Oaks resident Howard Leong hopes to combine the artistic and cultural aspects of his heritage as a member of the city’s Arts Commission.

Leong is one of seven people nominated to serve on the Arts Commission, which advises the City Council on cultural affairs and seeks to promote art appreciation.

The Thousand Oaks City Council will vote on the nominations Tuesday.

“Art’s been my whole life,” said Leong, who makes jewelry and has studied metal and wood design. If appointed, he said he would hope to steer the Arts Commission toward more educational programs in schools because “to create an advanced arts community, you have to start by trying to influence younger kids.”

Other Arts Commission nominees are Annabelle Darakjian, who serves on the Conejo Symphony Guild; Barcie Freinberg, a gallery manager; Patricia Grant, an educator; Karen LaFleur, who has a degree in fine arts; Linda Nelson, a docent with the Conejo Valley Historical Society, and Bonnie Roth, a writer with film production experience.

The council will also vote on nominations to the city’s Council on Aging, a 10-member group focusing on senior citizen concerns.

The nominees are David Adair, a retired research scientist; Verne (Jack) Boulton, who has served on several citizen committees; Marilyn Davis, an amateur actress; William Hogg, who is active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Martin Shepard, who serves as a director of the Northgate Homeowners Assn., and Albert Teitler, a retired engineer.